By Kenias Chivuzhe ZBC online
Zimbabwe has launched its Youth Service programme, aimed at cultivating patriotic, well-rounded, and disciplined citizens. This initiative has welcomed its first cohort of 1,000 young participants.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa inaugurated the Youth Service programme, marking the beginning of comprehensive training sessions. The Dadaya Training Centre is hosting 750 youths, while the Vumba Centre is exclusively training 250 female participants.
This programme signifies a transformative step for Zimbabwe, focusing on empowering the youth to become responsible and productive members of society.
“We are thrilled to see young people receiving training that promotes national development. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to the future. The youth should seize this opportunity to achieve success,” commented Mr. Leonard Chigodora, representing Chief Zimunya.
Miss Monica Chekera, Head of the Vumba Youth Service Training Centre, elaborated on the programme’s curriculum. “Our training emphasizes productivity, discipline, and national pride. We accept all youths, including those with advanced degrees. At Vumba, we exclusively train women. Recruitment is handled by district youth officers. The six-month programme includes three months of on-site training followed by three months of community service,” she explained.
Honourable Tino Machakaire, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, visited the Vumba Centre, highlighting the programme’s potential in combating drug and substance abuse. “We have initiated youth service training with 250 participants at Vumba and 750 at Dadaya in the Midlands Province. We are also collaborating with various churches supporting this initiative. We aim to increase enrolment, with higher numbers expected next year. Addressing drug issues requires a collective societal effort, and this training is a crucial step,” he stated.
Minister Machakaire also assured participants that successful trainees would be prioritized for government employment upon completing the programme
