Story by Wellington Makonese
SPORT is proving to be a powerful weapon in the fight against drug and substance abuse, with Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in Midlands Province using competition and recreation to promote healthy lifestyles among young people.
The Provincial VTC Sports Gala, held at Kaguvi Vocational Training Centre, also served as preparation for the National VTC Games, which will be hosted at the same venue later this month.
Learners from across the province competed in various sporting and cultural activities, showcasing their talents, creativity and teamwork ahead of the national finals.
“This is an important platform for us to exercise while also showcasing our skills and talents,” a participant said.
Another student highlighted the role of the event in preserving cultural heritage.
“We have football, darts and other sporting activities, together with traditional dance, which helps us preserve our culture,” the student said.
Participants also described the programme as a valuable complement to vocational skills development.
“This is a rewarding programme because it combines vocational skills development with sport, and we are already seeing positive results,” another participant said.
Government says vocational training centres are increasingly becoming hubs for personal development, helping young people build confidence, discipline and resilience while steering them away from drug and substance abuse.
“The games are running under the theme ‘From Play to Purpose: Creating a Drug-Free Future’. This speaks directly to our national vision. Sport can lead young people towards a better life. Our VTCs are not just places of learning, but centres of healing, growth and progress,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Mr Solomon Mhlanga, said.
While medals and trophies will be contested, organisers say the broader objective is to nurture responsible citizens equipped with both vocational and life skills.
Top performers from the provincial competition will now advance to the National VTC Games, which get underway at Kaguvi Vocational Training Centre later this month.
