Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training has re-establishing the National Youth Service Programme, now known as the Youth Service (YSZ).
The six months training programme, expected to resume in June, is set to train thousands of young people on life skills and entrepreneurial development country-wide.
This was announced by Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere following a Cabinet briefing by Youth Empowerment Minister Tino Machakaire.
“Since the Cabinet decision in 2021 to re-establish the National Youth Service Programme, some progress has been registered by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training,” Muswere said.
“The programme, which covers 3 months of institutionalised training and 3 months of community attachment, will commence in June 2024 with an enrolment of 750 youths across the country.
“Those who undergo the training will be issued with certificates on completion of the programme. The new curriculum will infuse national orientation with life skills training and entrepreneurial development,” he said.
To become self-sufficient, training centers will make full use of available land for commercial production ventures.
The program aims to train 10,000 young people from all ten provinces of Zimbabwe.
“Production Units are expected to fully utilise available land and engage in commercial production units for self-sustenance; and a total of 10 000 youths are earmarked to undergo training in 2024. The youths will be drawn equally from all the country’s ten provinces.
“The recruitment will be cascaded to incorporate youths in all wards and districts; and the National Youth Service Programme has been renamed Youth Service in Zimbabwe,” said Muswere.
“Going forward, youths who complete training will receive priority in employment and enrolment into public sector and higher and tertiary education institutions, and will be prioritised for financial support to establish new projects and businesses,” he added.
This revamped program aims to equip young Zimbabweans with valuable skills and opportunities, fostering national identity alongside practical development.
