At least 150 students are set to benefit from a youth training organized by United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ) and Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) at Chikore Mission and Tongogara Horticultural College.

 

The youth-training centre is part of Norwegian Refugee Council targeting school dropouts for training in various skill courses, including carpentry, horticulture, brick layering, metal work and sewing.

 

The Coordinator of the Youth Skills training Kowanai Mhlanga said they were targeting 150 students in the initial phase, with numbers gradually increasing with time. “The training will start this May at the Tongogara Horticultural College with five courses, namely brick and block layering, carpentry, welding, cosmetology, cutting and designing.” 

 

Mhlanga added that with time they intend to add courses such as motor mechanics. 

 

Speaking to this reporter, the President of the UCCZ Youth group, Liberty Chidoko, hinted that the they were jointly administering the youth training with a view to empower school dropouts in life skills. “As part of our commitment to the reduction of idleness and crime amongst the young people, we have partnered NRC in this initiative and we are looking forward to its success,” Chidoko said.

 

The NRC website noted that the organisation is committed to the education needs of Zimbabwe by supporting children and youths to build their practical skills.

“This is done through focusing on practical skills through the Youth Education Pack (YEP) for income generation for youth who dropped out of school,” reads the site.