GWERU – A total of 40 students recently graduated from the Young Women Christian Association
after undertaking a number of courses.

Gweru Polytechnic Vice Principal Fidelis Mushayi, who was guest of honour said since its
establishment the association had remained resolute in empowering women in their struggles for
justice, attainment of higher status, and legitimate rights.

One such graduate, Masmore Magaisa, appreciated the empowerment given by the institution and
encouraged those idling at home to enrol for the various courses offered by YWCA.

“I feel honoured that I now have a starting point and I look forward to doing more courses to
upgrade my certificate and I encourage young boys and girls not to look down upon themselves, but
to work hard and do something in life such as these courses.

“Many girls think that getting married is an option as a result of poverty but it is not,” said Masmore
Magaisa.

A male graduate, Edward Zvikomborero Juru, said he was excited to be graduating and thanked the
YWCA for their inclusive nature.

“I am encouraging other boys who feel that studying hotel and catering is only for girls that they are
wrong, but they must come to join the institution instead of roaming around the streets abusing
drugs. With this course, you can be self-employed and also create jobs for other youths.”

In congratulating the graduates, Mushayi said: “I would like to appreciate YWCA for successfully
producing skilled human capital which is key for national development.

“It is pleasing to note that YWCA has not only continuously grown over the years but has
appropriately responded and aligned itself to the changing societal and national needs and
aspirations,” said Mushayi.

He said YWCA Gweru in 2005 regularised its educational programmes by registering with the
assistance of Gweru Polytechnic to be a HEXCO examination centre.

He said YWCA had taken its empowerment beyond its initial focus group the girl child and has
started enrolling male students in the hotel and catering as well as cutting and designing disciplines.
Mushayi said the limited employment opportunities in the formal sector had become imperative for
graduates to have entrepreneurial skills which will enable them to become job creators through self-
employment ventures.

YWCA Midlands coordinator Rachel Kufirwa was encouraged to upgrade the qualification offered at
the institution by engaging the Industrial Training and Trade Testing Department (ITTD) of the
Ministry Of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development for the
graduates to be internationally recognised.

Kufirwa encouraged the graduates to fly high and influence others in the communities around them.

“Your passion, dedication and hard work have paid off as some of you are already employed in the
tourism and hospitality sector and I am highly confident that you will fly high in your chosen field
and impact others around your communities,” said Kufirwa.