The Sunday Mail
Rudo Mandiro
IN Zimbabwe’s rural areas, the struggle to progress to the next life for young people who would have just completed Ordinary Level studies is endemic.
Many are left with no choice, but to live at home and be unemployed after failing to achieve the minimum required five O- Level passes.
Others remain at home, even after passing the O-Levels, as their parents do not have the financial resources to fund their studies at A-Level.
In response to this conundrum that faces many school leavers, the Africa Development Mission Trust (ADMT) has opened a centre in Mhondoro to offer vocational training and empower youths after completion of their O’ level studies.
Courses offered at the Vocational Training Centre include training in agriculture, building and computers, earmarked for young people who fail to advance to A’ level.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, the director and principal of the ADMT Vocational Training Centre, Mrs Shingirirai Chizanga, said the centre provides self-help skills to young people.
“We have been transforming and building lives in the rural areas for 20 years and you find that most young people make it to O’ level but fail to advance to A’ level due to circumstances outside of their control.
“The establishment of this training centre in Gora, Mhondoro has been a key component in the vision of ADMT since inception. Part of the centre is still under construction and is expected to be finished this year with boarding facilities for those coming from out of this area.”
Mrs Chizanga said they have commenced enrolment for 2022.
“We had the first enrolment in 2020 and the turnout was impressive as the students have the zeal for knowledge. The students have showed their enthusiasm and passion for entrepreneurship. Our institution is registered by the Higher Education Examinations Council (Hexco)”.
ADMT development field officer, Mr Kennedy Abiyuti, said he was delighted with the pass rate of the pupils who managed to sit for their first sitting.
“We had a 100 percent pass rate in Computer Operation packages, while the Internet Content Task Force (ICTF) as well as the Building and Technology courses had pass rates of over 50 percent.
“This year we expect to enroll more students and we desire to increase the courses we offer to include sewing, knitting, carpentry and motor mechanics for individuals to be economically empowered,” Mr Abiyuti said.
ADMT programmes co-ordinator Pastor Evan Mabani said they are reaching out to the community, school leavers, and those who might wish to enhance their skills to join them in leadership management, administration as well as evangelism.
“At the centre, we have a good environment and accommodation facilities and encourage youths to take up this opportunity to ignite their entrepreneurial skills.”
Councillor for Ward 6 in Chegutu, Alderman Leonard Kwaramba, said the community is excited about this initiative.
“As Chegutu Rural District Council we have donated 10 hectares of land to the private player to add to the training centre to show that we are in this together. It is our hope that youths in this district will take this opportunity to empower themselves and create jobs.”
