By McGeorge Mbare
SEVEN graduates from Young Africa Zimbabwe had a toast of the day after Summit Guest House Lodge announced their employment following successful internships at the Lodge.
The announcement came during the graduation ceremony, which saw a total of 430 young people complete training under the Skills2Live–SRHR Knows No Borders project, implemented by Young Africa Zimbabwe in partnership with the International Organization for Migration and supported by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.
Director at Summit Guest House, Tichaona Mushipe, confirmed the employment of the eight at the graduation ceremony.
“We have offered the students who did their internship with us permanent jobs,” Mushipe said.
At the event, Mushipe encouraged the youth to do practical work.
“Hands on prepares you for an opportunity which is not there but one day it will help. People need to take decisions about their lives. It takes courage to author your life, do something about it. Keep away from drugs and illegal activities and that will pay you in future.”
Mushipe annouced a longer term partnership with Young Africa Zimbabwe.
Ndamulelo Jimu, the best student in mechanics, among those who benefitted from Mushipe’s gesture was overjoyed.
“I’m very happy to have been chosen and offered the job. This is a huge opportunity for me, and I hope it inspires other youth out there in the rural areas.”
A parent, Enock Kwinika from Lutumba, said the programs offered by Young Africa play a crucial role in many areas by giving children from rural areas and towns survival skills.
“ My child has trained in this program. This is a good initiative as it has covered all areas from Tshikwalakwala, Dite, and the rest of Beitbridge. It was unusual to see people from these areas doing hands-on work, but now with Young Africa, it has become a dream come true for our children to do what they really dreamt of doing,” Kwinika said.
Oscar Chiromo, Chairperson of Beitbridge Rural District Council also praised the initiative saying this will encourage youth from drugs.
“This is a very progressive move in our communities. We are really happy because this will encourage young people to avoid illegal activities and drug abuse and be able to be progressive in their livelihood” Chiromo said.
Young Africa, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration, saw 76 percent of girls graduating from various courses, including mechanics, beauty therapy, hotel and catering, and many others.