Story by Fungai Jachi
THE church continues to complement government efforts in youth empowerment, with the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church, through the Bridging Gaps Foundation, spearheading a horticulture initiative aimed at benefiting young farmers.
Officially launched in Harare this Monday, the project, dubbed “Kuguta Mission Gardens,” has been described by youths as a transformative opportunity.
With the empowerment agenda gaining momentum, the church is playing a vital role in equipping young people with agricultural skills, enabling them to venture into horticulture production and contribute to food security and economic development.
“Farming is a business and we are going to make the most of this opportunity that we have been given,” a beneficiary said.
Agronomist Beauty Magiya weighed in, saying venturing into horticulture is a good initiative for young people.
“Horticulture for young people is the best because it has a high and quick return, so empowering youths using agriculture is the best because we are assured of profit.”
Bridging Gaps Foundation Patron Mrs Sandra Tagwirei and SDA Zimbabwe East Union Conference president, Dr Godfrey Musara are confident the project will have a positive impact on the livelihoods of youths.
“We realised that there is a need to help youths because most do not have funding and so we are going to provide training and funding for them. We want youths to be productive and contribute positively to communities,” Mrs Tagwirei said.
“As a church, what we want is to have young people take part in the development of the country and through this project, we are convinced that they will make a difference,” Dr Musara noted.
The church has been partnering with the government in various sectors, including education and health where schools and hospitals are being constructed and vulnerable communities empowered.
