National Youth Service returns

Harare, (New Ziana) – Cabinet on Tuesday approved the re-establishment of the National Youth Service Training Programme, a crucial youth development initiative targeting young adults between the ages of 18 and 35.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the revamped programme would be funded by government, upon enactment of the necessary law, but to reduce overreliance on the fiscus, the programme would also be required to engage in commercial activities in order to generate its own income.

Participants, she said, will not pay fees and will be provided with uniforms, training kits, travel expenses, and will be given allowances as the economy improves.

“Cabinet noted that National Youth Service is an important youth development programme which is crucial in nurturing young people into becoming responsible and resilient citizens with a clear sense of national identity and respect for national values,” Mutsvangwa said.

“The programme is a key strategy for youth empowerment in national, regional, continental and international development guiding frameworks to which Zimbabwe is a member. The frameworks include the SADC Revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan; the African Youth Charter of 2006; the World Programme of Action on Youth; and the United Nations Youth Strategy 2030.”

Mutsvangwa said the programme would equip youths with patriotism, discipline, volunteerism, survival skills, hard work, loyalty, tolerance, resilience, determination and honesty.

She said during training participants would be encouraged to participate in development projects and disaster response activities.

“The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (Number 20) Act provides that all institutions and agencies of Government at all levels must take reasonable measures, including affirmative action, to ensure that youths have access to appropriate education and training, that they participate in social, economic and other spheres of life, and that they are empowered and protected from harmful practices, exploitation and abuse.

“Cabinet further agreed that under the revamped programme, Vocational Training Centres across all the provinces will focus on entrepreneurship and livelihood skills training. This will encompass enterprise awareness, opportunity identification, project financing, and basic farming. The Civil Protection Unit will place emphasis on disaster mitigation and management skills.”

Mutsvangwa said graduates of the programme will qualify for further training, assistance in starting businesses, and for enrolment for careers in the police, the army, the airforce, nursing and teaching, among others.

“The programme will also take on board the disabled, and maintain gender balance and fair regional representation, with recruitment taking place through district Offices,” she said.
New Ziana