Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE Presidential Heifer Pass On scheme is making huge impact on youth empowerment with the latest distribution benefiting 86 young farmers in Mashonaland West Province.
Two years after its launch, the Presidential Heifer Pass on Scheme is transforming livelihoods and empowering youths across the country.
Beneficiaries of the programme have expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa , describing the scheme as a life changing venture .
“We never thought that this programme will be a reality but here we are walking home with a cattle to start a herd with. We want to thank government for ensuring that all stakeholders and line ministries are involved,” said a beneficiary.
“Our President has once again proved that he has the young people at heart. This is an inclusive developmental programme which we are glad will be complemented with land provision for us to be wholly empowered and work with our own resources towards the attainment of Vision 2030,” said another.
Yet another beneficiary weighed in, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. We have been given a start its now onto us to make the better out of it. We should all encourage each other to make good use observing the intentions behind each and every initiative brought about by government.”
ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Youth League chairperson Cde Tapiwa Masenda thanked the President for implementing an inclusive developmental programme.
“We want to thank the President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa for walking the talk on youth inclusion in economic affairs of the country. We have benefitted in the form of cattle, a tractor which can be used by anyone, land and so many opportunities coming our way. Once the youths are empowered, we would have significantly contributed towards ending the social scourges such as drug and substance abuse,” he said.
Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Marian Chombo said government is also finalising on allocation of land to young people in the province.
“I am excited to have officially handed over these heifer cattle to the youths. We want you to be empowered economically so the onus remains on you to maximise on these government Programmes. As government, under the able leadership of President Mnangagwa, we are looking into the issue of land allocation to young people so that the cycle completes. Please identify idle land and our office will work on re-allocation. This speaks to the vision of leaving no one and no place behind,” she explained.
The Presidential Heifer Pass On scheme was launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2022 as part of government efforts to empower vulnerable communities while also boosting the national herd.
