Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Youths across the country have been encouraged to enroll in Vocational Training Colleges (VTCs), as these institutions serve as critical stepping stones toward personal empowerment and success, a cabinet minister has said.
Youths Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire made the remarks while addressing the National Youths Day Commemorations held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds on Friday.
This year’s commemorations, held under the theme “Empower Youth, Secure The Future,” align with the nation’s collective vision for a brighter future driven by the energy, creativity, and passion of young people, who are the heartbeat of national progress.
The day, proclaimed in 2017, celebrates the contributions of youth to the country’s development.
Last year’s event was held in Masvingo at the Mushagashe Vocational Training Centre, while this year’s edition took place in Bulawayo, fulfilling President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
“I urge our young people to enroll in these VTCs, as they are vital stepping stones towards personal empowerment and success,” said Minister Machakaire.
The government’s introduction of Education 5.0, a heritage-based philosophy aimed at leveraging local resources to build a modern, industrialized economy, underscores President Mnangagwa`s vision.
The five-mission model encompasses teaching, research, community service, innovation, and industrialization.
Minister Machakaire also indicated his ministry’s commitment to prioritizing digital literacy and skills development, ensuring youths are equipped to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
“As the country navigates the digital age, it is evident that digital literacy is crucial for empowering young people to access education, employment, and economic opportunities,” he said.
He highlighted Zimbabwe’s immense potential for growth and enterprise development but stressed the need to equip youths with relevant skills to fully capitalize on these opportunities.
“Our country has immense potential for growth and enterprise development, but to fully capitalize on this, we must ensure that our youth are equipped with the relevant skills.
“This is why my ministry is spearheading a transformation of our Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), aligning them with global trends and offering modern, practical skills that empower youth for both personal and national development,” said the minister.
Machakaire commended the government for establishing Youth Focal Desks, a strategic innovation toward achieving Vision 2030.
“We commend you, The President, for the creation of these desks, which serve as important points of contact for youth engagement.
“There is need, however, for further optimization to ensure that they function with greater efficiency and impact, ultimately making them more responsive to the needs of the youths,” he said.
He also praised the establishment of the Youth Empowerment Bank, describing it as a game-changer for youths seeking financial resources.
However, he expressed concern over the bank’s limited operational capacity and appealed to President Mnangagwa to take necessary measures to fully empower the institution.
“We therefore appeal to you, President, for the necessary measures to be taken to fully empower this institution, ensuring it can better serve our young entrepreneurs and innovators,” said Machakaire.
The minister lauded the Second Republic’s efforts in fostering strong international relations, which have enabled local students to secure prestigious scholarships abroad.
“Your exemplary efforts in cultivating strong relations with foreign nations have enabled our students to be awarded prestigious international scholarships. This speaks to your steadfast dedication to advancing the educational opportunities of our young people,” he said.
Machakaire noted that, as a result of President Mnangagwa’s inclusivity, 13 underprivileged students from Binga in ZimFEP schools successfully completed their secondary education and have applied for consideration under the 2025 Presidential Scholarship Scheme.
“Whilst this is a commendable achievement, we acknowledge that not all deserving students can be accommodated under the Presidential Scholarship Scheme. Building on this success, we humbly propose that, through your wisdom and guidance, we also create scholarships for our local state universities.
“This initiative would resonate with your core principles of devolution and the commitment to ensuring that no one and no place is left behind,” he said.
The event which was attended by a number of youths from across the country featured a range of youth-centred activities, including exhibitions, success testimonies by Youth Service in Zimbabwe graduates, and the launch of a digital skills training programme by President Mnangagwa.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Zanu PF National Chairman Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, and other top government officials attended the event.
It was also graced by youths from revolutionary parties in the SADC region, including the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, Chama Cha Mapinduzi of Tanzania, CNDD-FDD of Burundi, and FRELIMO of Mozambique.
New Ziana
