Zimbabwe govt to establish VTCs in all districts

The Zimbabwean Government has launched an ambitious plan to establish Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in every district, aiming to enhance skills development among the country's youth. The initiative was announced by Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training Tino Machakaire during a graduation ceremony at Mushagashe Training Centre.

Minister Machakaire awarded certificates to over 2,000 graduates from four VTCs - Mushagashe, Masvingo Urban, Gutu, and Chivi-Mhandamabwe. He emphasized the vital role of youth in driving economic growth and highlighted the Government's commitment to equipping young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

"The Government, through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, has adopted a deliberate plan to establish at least one vocational training centre in every district of the country," said Minister Machakaire.

"This development is aimed at ensuring that as many youths as possible get the relevant skills for employment or entrepreneurship for industry growth. Local authorities must support this initiative by availing land or infrastructure for VTCs as the youth contribute immensely to the economic development agenda."

Minister Machakaire also applauded the inclusion of marginalized groups, such as individuals with disabilities, autism, and albinism, in vocational training programs.

"Today's graduates include young persons with disabilities, which truly reflects President E.D. Mnangagwa's mantra of ‘leaving no one behind.' This also reinforces the principle that ‘disability is not inability.'"

The Minister noted the increasing participation of women in vocational training and urged VTCs to play a central role in combating drug and substance abuse by providing constructive avenues for youth engagement.

Vocational training aligns with Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the broader Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the country into an upper-middle-income society.

"Vocational Training plays a pivotal role in development as NDS1 identifies human capital development as one of the key pillars for national progress," Minister Machakaire said.

Mushagashe Training Centre Principal Mrs. Ruth Kutsiraiyi added that the institution has made Agriculture and ICT mandatory for all students, citing their importance in driving economic growth.

"We have decided that every student who passes through here should study ICT and Agriculture because they are key pillars of the country's economy," said Mrs. Kutsiraiyi.

Over 2,400 students graduated across the four VTCs, completing courses in fields such as motor mechanics, building, dressmaking, and catering.

The initiative underscores the Government's commitment to empowering the youth and fostering inclusive development, paving the way for a prosperous and self-reliant Zimbabwe.