Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
YOUTH Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tinomuda Machakaire, has said the participation of the youth populace in all economic activities is key in the development of the country’s economy and achievement of Vision 2030.
Speaking at the official opening of his ministry’s strategic planning workshop at a local hotel, Minister Machakaire said Government is recapitalising youth focused bank, Empower Bank, so that it continues to fund upcoming businesses through the provision of affordable loans.
He further added that his ministry will adequately resource ward and district officers as they are key in reaching out to youths in communities conducting assessments, and carrying out drug and substance abuse campaigns.
“The potential for youths to contribute significantly to our economy is immense.
“ In this context, I urge you to develop sustainable models, and strategies that harness this potential, and translate it into tangible outcomes. Let us strengthen partnerships with the private sector and international organisations to foster a thriving ecosystem for the development and empowerment of youths in Zimbabwe.
“We must remain focused on achieving the vision set forth by President Mnangagwa, ensuring that by 2030, our youths are economically empowered and positioned within the upper middle economy bracket.
“I have realised that in our pursuit of multiple objectives, we sometimes lose sight of our core mandate, to empower youths to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.
“Although we are engaged in a broad array of activities, our efforts often lack visibility due to the absence of a clear focus on priority programmes that genuinely empower the youths.
“We must empower ward development officers, district officers and provincial staff to execute the mandates of our ministry.
“To achieve this, the current strategic planning review must plan for the decentralisation of programmes, projects and their associated budgets.
“ The bulk of our budgets must go to districts where programming takes place. This year, we launched the Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme, with our first group set to graduate in December.
“This Government-supported initiative has received Cabinet backing, and I expect to see a roadmap being developed to ensure that graduates of the Youth Service are successfully placed following their training.
“Addressing drug and substance abuse awareness remains an urgent issue, as highlighted by President Mnangagwa.
“As we carry out our work, we must continuously integrate drug and substance abuse awareness into every activity that brings the youths together.
“I would like to commend Empower Bank for facilitating the acquisition of tractors for our vocational training centres. “While I understand the capitalisation challenges faced by the bank, I encourage the bank to continue facilitating programmes that promote value chains,” said Minister Machakaire.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said there is need to increase the number of vocational training centres in the province to equip youths with vital economic skills.
“Manicaland has various training centres dotted around the province such as Magamba, Nyanyadzi, Mutare, Marange, Kukwanisa, Buhera, Chipinge and Manyera to mention just a few. Youth skilling is being taken seriously by all stakeholders in Manicaland Province. Given the growing number of youths in the province, it is prudent that more centres are established to cater for them.
“As a country, we can empower our youths so that they became useful and skilled entrepreneurs who can contribute meaningfully to the national development,” said Minister Mugadza.
