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By Leona Lyne Chimushonga
More than 2,600 young Zimbabweans, including survivors of drug and substance abuse, have graduated from the Zimbabwe National Youth Service (NYS) programme at Dadaya Training Centre in Zvishavane, marking another milestone in the government's drive to empower young people through skills development, vocational training and entrepreneurship.
The graduation ceremony brought together government officials, trainers, community leaders and families to celebrate the achievements of the graduates, who completed training designed to instil discipline, practical vocational skills, patriotism and entrepreneurship.
The National Youth Service programme is spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training as part of broader efforts to address youth unemployment while equipping young people with marketable skills that can contribute to Zimbabwe's economic development.
Addressing the graduates, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Mr Edgar Seenza commended the graduates for their commitment to completing the programme and urged them to become productive citizens capable of driving development in their respective communities.
"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. The knowledge, discipline and practical skills you have acquired during your training should empower you to become job creators rather than job seekers and contribute meaningfully to national development," said Mr Seenza.
He said government was working towards creating pathways for graduates to participate in various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and the security services.
"Government is actively working to ensure that graduates from this programme are integrated into key sectors of our economy, including opportunities within the security sector, while also supporting those who wish to establish their own businesses," he said.
The Ministry says the National Youth Service programme has also become an important intervention in addressing drug and substance abuse among young people by providing rehabilitation, mentorship and life skills alongside vocational training.
Many of the graduates who previously battled drug and substance abuse successfully completed the programme and are expected to reintegrate into society with renewed purpose and employable skills.
Outstanding trainees were recognised during the ceremony for their exceptional performance, receiving certificates of excellence and business start-up kits aimed at supporting income-generating projects and promoting self-employment.
Dadaya Training Centre has emerged as one of Zimbabwe's flagship National Youth Service institutions, offering practical training in agriculture, aquaculture, livestock production and other vocational disciplines that combine classroom learning with hands-on production. The centre has in recent years expanded projects such as fish farming and piggery production to strengthen practical learning while generating income for the institution. These initiatives form part of the government's heritage-based Education 5.0 model, which emphasises innovation, industrialisation and community development.
Government has continued to expand the Youth Service programme since its relaunch, positioning it as a key pillar in tackling youth unemployment, promoting patriotism and combating social challenges such as drug and substance abuse through structured training and mentorship.
The graduation ceremony brought together government officials, trainers, community leaders and families to celebrate the achievements of the graduates, who completed training designed to instil discipline, practical vocational skills, patriotism and entrepreneurship.
The National Youth Service programme is spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training as part of broader efforts to address youth unemployment while equipping young people with marketable skills that can contribute to Zimbabwe's economic development.
Addressing the graduates, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Mr Edgar Seenza commended the graduates for their commitment to completing the programme and urged them to become productive citizens capable of driving development in their respective communities.
"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. The knowledge, discipline and practical skills you have acquired during your training should empower you to become job creators rather than job seekers and contribute meaningfully to national development," said Mr Seenza.
He said government was working towards creating pathways for graduates to participate in various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and the security services.
"Government is actively working to ensure that graduates from this programme are integrated into key sectors of our economy, including opportunities within the security sector, while also supporting those who wish to establish their own businesses," he said.
The Ministry says the National Youth Service programme has also become an important intervention in addressing drug and substance abuse among young people by providing rehabilitation, mentorship and life skills alongside vocational training.
Many of the graduates who previously battled drug and substance abuse successfully completed the programme and are expected to reintegrate into society with renewed purpose and employable skills.
Outstanding trainees were recognised during the ceremony for their exceptional performance, receiving certificates of excellence and business start-up kits aimed at supporting income-generating projects and promoting self-employment.
Dadaya Training Centre has emerged as one of Zimbabwe's flagship National Youth Service institutions, offering practical training in agriculture, aquaculture, livestock production and other vocational disciplines that combine classroom learning with hands-on production. The centre has in recent years expanded projects such as fish farming and piggery production to strengthen practical learning while generating income for the institution. These initiatives form part of the government's heritage-based Education 5.0 model, which emphasises innovation, industrialisation and community development.
Government has continued to expand the Youth Service programme since its relaunch, positioning it as a key pillar in tackling youth unemployment, promoting patriotism and combating social challenges such as drug and substance abuse through structured training and mentorship.
Published
August 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM
