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Writes Marlvin Ngiza
Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China’s relations continue to bear fruits as the two nations continue to expedite programmes that are meant to promote youth employment and economic empowerment towards curtailing drug and substance abuse among young people.
This has been attested by several initiatives that the Chinese Embassy, through working with the government of Zimbabwe, has so far implemented. These include 100 governmental scholarships to Zimbabwean students, hundreds of short-term training opportunities for young Zimbabweans, and charitable initiatives through the “Hope Harbor” arm.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of 250 points of layer chickens to Teen Rescue Mission (TRM) in Chitungwiza on Monday, the People’s Republic of China Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding, vowed their unwavering commitment and support to uplift young people and to foster youth empowerment.
“The Chinese Embassy will continue to work with our local partners like the TRM to foster youth empowerment. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that youth are nurtured, educated, and empowered to realize their dreams. Youth is the hope of a nation. In pursuit of a brighter future for Zimbabwean youth, the Chinese Embassy has launched a series of charitable initiatives titled “Hope Harbor” this year. I am very proud to see the TRM chicken project in Chitungwiza is making positive effects and bringing hope to the youth here.
“Through the years, China has not only lent a hand to Zimbabwe but built projects like airports, power stations, stadiums, but also schools, hospitals, boreholes, etc, to benefit communities and the well-being of the youth. In the last 3 years, China has also provided around 100 governmental scholarships to Zimbabwean students and hundreds of short-term training opportunities to young Zimbabweans. The Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe, through providing Chinese language teaching and culture exchanges, is supporting Zimbabwean students to enrich themselves and strengthen their competitiveness in career development,” said Ding.
In his address on behalf of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, Permanent Secretary, Solomon Mhlanga, the Ministry’s Chief Director Elias Murinda applauded the efforts by the Chinese Embassy for partnering with Teen Rescue Mission towards fighting drug and substance abuse and Teen pregnancy.
“The donation from the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Teen Rescue Mission gives us much pride and reassurance that we have strong diplomatic relations. The partnership between the Chinese Embassy and TRM we are witnessing today is a great achievement as we scale up our youth programming efforts as a Ministry. May I also take this opportunity to thank the Chinese Embassy for supporting TRM in all its endeavors to empower the youths, addressing the social menace of drug and substance abuse and teen pregnancies.
“As a Ministry, we are very committed to ensuring that we create a safe environment for youth empowerment and participation that is holistic,” said Murinda.
Speaking upon receiving the donation, Teen Rescue Mission Director, Abraham Matuka said “We are very grateful to have received these chickens. Indeed it is a major boost to us as TRM in our fight against drug abuse, child marriages, and youth crimes. Our youth are going to have an income-generating project that will snatch them from idleness and poverty,” said Matuka.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, the Junior Mayor for Chitungwiza Municipality, His Worship Denzel Whata said idleness and inadequate access to opportunities have been the major drivers to drug and substance abuse in Chitungwiza hence their interventions with self-sustaining skills through youth education.
“After we realised that many youths have been pushed into drug and substance abuse due to a lack of opportunities, the Junior Council and Junior Parliament working with TRM, we intervened by identifying different young people in Chitungwiza who need assistance to realise their potentials and not to remain vulnerable to serious societal challenges such as idleness and lack of opportunities. I want to applaud TRM for their immense contributions to positively turn around the lives of young people in Chitungwiza. Together we can uplift livelihoods,” said Whata.
The Junior Minister of Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Honorable Christabel Bahera said “It is worrisome that some scenes showing young people abusing drugs are circulating on social media and this shows the deterioration of child protection in the societies. Today, a gesture by the Chinese Embassy is a great move to deal with idleness among young people, unemployment, and socio-economic-related issues. We are grateful for the donation. I want to say to all young people let us desist from drug abuse for us to achieve our vision 2030 as a nation,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Shylet Manga, a single mother benefiting from TRM’s programmes said “Since the first day I joined TRM, my life has been on continuous improvement. I acquired hairdressing skills through TRM and I am now able to earn a living and cater to my child’s needs. I also want to applaud the Ambassador for remembering us as young people of Chitungwiza,” she said.
The handover ceremony was attended by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training; Zimbabwe Youth Council; Chitungwiza Municipality, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and religious leaders among others.
The Chinese Medical Team was also present to conduct a free health check-up for young people.