By Alice Marume: Mutiusinazita Secondary School

The scarcity of jobs in Buhera South has become a pressing concern for rural settlers, particularly for children like us. Our basic needs, such as education, clothing, food, and school fees, require financial resources that our parents struggle to provide due to the lack of employment opportunities. This essay highlights the consequences of job shortages and the urgent need for empowerment and initiative projects to improve the livelihoods of residents.

Consequences of Job Shortages

The absence of jobs has far-reaching consequences, including:

1. Limited access to education, as parents cannot afford school fees and materials.

2. Inadequate nutrition and clothing, leading to malnutrition and poor health.

3. Increased drug abuse among youths, who turn to illegal activities due to idleness.

4. Drug dealing, which has claimed the lives of some students forced to buy drugs.

Empowerment and Initiative Projects

To address these challenges, residents must be empowered by the government and stakeholders to embark on initiative projects, such as:

1. Small-scale farming and agriculture to provide food and income.

2. Vocational training and skills development programs for youths.

3. Community-based projects, like crafts and small-scale manufacturing.

4. Access to microfinance and funding for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The job shortage in Buhera South has severe consequences for rural settlers, particularly children. Empowering residents through initiative projects and government support can help alleviate these challenges and improve livelihoods. We urge stakeholders to take action and invest in our community’s future.

Interview sources: Listen to audios via the links below… https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1j3ODcan0-nJiPmZBSzZMHjeioaEQq_66