Young people at Pelandaba are now proud holders of certificates in various disciplines of home economics and entrepreneurial skills after graduating from a six weeks course held in the suburb by Inspire Women and Children Centre.
Inspire Women and Children Centre is a charitable organisation that works with different communities empowering them by supporting and funding their entrepreneurial community projects.
After moving into Pelandaba suburb, the centre trained 89 youths who can now do basic dressmaking, graphic design, baking, cookery, skin care, make up, home décor, beading skills, afro centric accessories skills and basic computer skills.
The colourful graduation ceremony held Monday was attended by Member of Parliament for Mpopoma-Pelandaba constituency Charles Moyo, who commended the initiative saying entrepreneurship was now a modern and handy skill.
“There is a need for educational centres to teach practical skills in order to promote and improve practical skills amongst students graduating in certain fields and this has also become the mandate of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education,” he said.
Moyo said statistics from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary education revealed that the country had a 95 percent literacy rate but only boasted 38 percent of actual skills.
“This means we can boast about our literacy rate but if it is not accompanied by skill or practicals, it is worthless. We therefore encourage people to take up entrepreneurial courses and improve on the country’s 38 percent skills awareness,” he urged.
The legislator also told graduates to brace themselves for hardwork in order to thrive under Zimbabwe’s harsh economy.
“Your doors are now opened and you have your certificates. Prepare yourselves to enter the field of hardwork, since our economy is not good. Brace yourselves to face off against load shedding, water rationing, price hikes and other factors as you go about your work. The economy is underperforming but you need to sustain and live,” Moyo said.
He added that as a legislator he was going to engage the Minister of Industry and Commerce to provide technical support to youth.
“I am going to engage with Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu to say we have capable individuals but no industry to work in. I will also engage the Ministry of Small to Medium Enterprises to support your ventures.”
The legislator said communities have to take charge of destinies and push their children to do these short courses and avoid trappings of vuzu parties.
Ward 13 Councilor, Frank Jabangwe, also said there was a need for students to share their skills with other members of their communities.
“Let’s empower others with our skills. The industry is difficult but with these acquired skills, it can be easier,” he said.
Coordinator at the Inspire centre, Gift Muthelethwa noted some of the graduates were absent as they were already employed.
“This is a sign that entrepreneurial skills are in demand and as a centre we are proud that we train employable students,” she said.
