Harare, November (New Ziana) – Over 10 000 youths from different parts of the country are expected to converge at the Magamba Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Mutare, Manicaland province, for the Youth Empowerment Forum to be addressed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday.
The overall objective of vocational training in Zimbabwe is to reduce recidivism and unemployment by providing training and job creation projects for those who have been equipped with skills that include building, carpentry, dressmaking, metal work, leather tanning, tie and dye and machine maintenance among other courses.
In a report to Cabinet on progress made in implementing priority projects for the Third 100-Day Cycle of 2024, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire said preparations had reached an advanced stage.
He said awareness programs on drug and substance abuse reached an estimated 15 000 youths at different platforms while over 1 million youths accessed drug and substance abuse information through a mega awareness campaign organised at Dungane Farm in Makonde district, Mashonaland Central province.
Refurbishment of a male hostel expected to accommodate 80 students at Magamba VTC below the Christmas Pass, just outside Mutare, has reached 80 percent completion, he said.
Machakaire said construction of the Sivomo VTC in Nkayi, Matebeleland North province has reached 75 percent completion with materials for the construction of the Kadoma VTC secured and a contractor on site. He said 1 081 youths were identified and allocated to institutions for community attachment, while youth from Vumba and Dadaya training centres have successfully completed their training program and were awaiting deployment.
“An area covering 3 hectares at Magamba VTC was planted with commercial beans while an area covering 1 hectare was planted with commercial peas at Tabudirira Vocational Training Centre in Mutoko,” said Machakaire.
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