Chipinge; – 117 young people graduated at the Chipinge College of Horticulture under the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) having endured a year of grueling training in various disciplines.
The graduands spent 1 year studying brick laying, cosmetology, carpentry, welding, ICT, Tourism and Hospitality among other disciplines. The graduation ceremony was graced by Rev John Matiza of the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ) under whose jurisdiction the college falls.
“As you are leaving this place, remember that the world out there is looking for people who are excellent in whatever they do. Basa renyu rinofanira kukwezva vepa next door to this program (your work should encourage others to this program),” Rev Matiza said, mixing the local Ndau language with English.
Apart from earning certificates, the graduands gained lifetime knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in their chosen fields.
The guest of honor was Mr Needmore Maposa, the Headmaster of Chibuwe High School who encouraged the graduands to continue striving towards achieving career goals.
“No amount of discouragement will deter you from achieving what you want to do. Make a resolution that what you want to do in life is exactly what the world will provide for you,” Maposa told the graduating class.
The YEP course provided the graduates with skills and knowledge to start their own enterprises, thereby giving them an opportunity to thrive and create employment in a Zimbabwean economy characterized by an extremely high unemployment rate. With it requiring dedication, hard work and perseverance, the presented the graduands with scope for personal growth, confidence and self -esteem.
Conducted at the Chipinge College of Horticulture Vocational Skills Training Centre, YEP started in 2013 as a 1-year course. It enrolls young people with an ability to read and write.
