Over 150 young people have graduated from the Welfare Trust of Zimbabwe’s empowerment programmes, aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse, curbing early marriages, and fostering self-reliance through skills training.
The 7th Graduation Ceremony, held yesterday, saw students completing courses in nurse aide training, baking, beauty therapy, CCTV operations, and hotel and catering.
Welfare Trust of Zimbabwe’s national women’s chapter chairperson and ZANU Pf deputy secretary for Women and Technology, Ronica Maviya, said the organisation remains committed to empowering disadvantaged groups, particularly the youth, women, and single parents.
“…Since its registration in 2012, the Welfare Trust has been assisting communities to become self-sufficient in the face of economic hardships.
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“Achieving Vision 2030 requires the elimination of drug and substance abuse, our number one enemy as a nation, and the prevention of early marriages which rob our youth of their future,” Maviya said.
She commended trainers and stakeholders for their role in equipping the graduates with practical skills, stressing that the Trust also incorporates Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Programmes into its curriculum.
“Drugs are robbing the nation of its future, causing deaths and mental disorders among our youths.
“Let us all play a role by reporting drug kingpins to enforcement agents. As Harare Province and as a nation, let’s all say NO to drugs,” she added.
Maviya further urged graduates to focus on personal growth, entrepreneurship, and healthy living.
She warned against risky behaviour that fuels the spread of HIV and called for zero tolerance towards stigma.
“As you celebrate this milestone, remember that early marriages without career growth breed dependence and abuse.
“To liberate yourselves financially, you must continue pursuing education and professional empowerment,” she told the graduates.
