Elinciya Witman
The Multi Aid Support Organization (MASO), in collaboration with Young Africa International, Terre Des Hommes, and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training (MYEDVT), facilitated the distribution of startup kits to graduates during a graduation ceremony held last week, in Gweru.
This event was conducted under the theme “Innovate, Digitalize, Enterprise Training and Skills Development: Combating Drug and Substance Abuse,” marking a significant milestone for the 355 participants who successfully completed a comprehensive skills training program.
The program encompassed various disciplines, including metal fabrication, cosmetology, carpentry, and solar installation, among others.
The initiative aimed to equip young individuals with practical skills that will enhance their contributions to the nation’s economic development.
Such endeavors were made feasible through the generous support of Young Africa International and Terre Des Hommes.
The Director of MYEDVT highlighted the importance of this event, asserting its contribution to national development.
“This occasion signifies a substantial milestone. We are here to celebrate the accomplishments of young Zimbabweans who have acquired practical skills that will enable them to make meaningful contributions to the growth and development of our nation,” he stated.
Furthermore, he reaffirmed the ministry’s ongoing commitment to empowering young people through vocational and technical skills development, in alignment with Vision 2030, which aims to establish an upper-middle-income society where youth are productive, innovative, and economically empowered.
“Vocational training centers throughout the country are equipping young individuals with market-ready skills, thereby enabling them to pursue employment opportunities and create jobs,” he remarked.
Willie Mponda, the Chairperson of MASO, indicated that graduates would receive startup kits designed to foster their self-empowerment.
“All graduates present today will receive startup kits made possible through the support of Young Africa. These resources will allow them to promptly translate their acquired skills into productive economic activities.”
“This occasion transcends being a mere graduation ceremony; it serves as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, shared vision, and unwavering determination, facilitated by the generous support of both Young Africa International and MYEDVT,” he continued.
Mponda expressed his sincere appreciation for the stakeholders who contributed resources, including Terre Des Hommes and Silveira House. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and for believing in the potential of our youth. Your investments serve not only individuals but also represent an investment in the future of our nation.”
Sindisiwe Moyo, one of the graduates from Lower Gweru, who specialized in textile design and cutting, expressed her appreciation upon receiving her startup kit.
“I am profoundly grateful to MASO for their empowerment and for providing me with this essential equipment,” she stated. “We intend to start producing worksuits, school uniforms, and other items to ensure our self-sustainability.”
The startup kits distributed to these graduates are anticipated to act as a catalyst for their entrepreneurial ventures, enabling them to generate employment and stimulate economic activity within their communities.
