From addiction to skills: Angel of Hope’s 5th intake steps into new futures

From brokenness to belief, the fifth group of drug survivors under the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre is rewriting its story after completing the first phase of rehabilitation and beginning vocational skills training.

Every face during the send-off ceremony to a local vocational training centre told a story of gratitude, resilience and triumph over addiction.

For these young men and women, the moment signalled more than completion of a programme; it represented a turning point, a chance to rebuild shattered dreams and redefine their futures.

They arrived at the centre broken and uncertain, lost in the haze of addiction. On this day, they stood tall survivors filled with renewed purpose and optimism.

Smartly dressed, the survivors reflected a new sense of discipline and pride. Their transformation was evident not only in appearance, but in confidence and character.

To celebrate their progress, they treated guests, including their own parents and guardians, to a vibrant showcase of talent, including well-coordinated drills demonstrating their regained self-worth and determination.

Soul-stirring songs and a thought-provoking educative play on drug and substance abuse highlighted both their creativity and their commitment to staying on a positive path.

Also, they sang along to Chillmaster’s song Horror.

The moment became a symbolic celebration of conquering the dark experiences they once endured under the grip of drugs. Indeed, for them it was “horror”.

What was once associated with pain and despair was transformed into an anthem of triumph, reflecting how far they had come since seeking rehabilitation.

Director in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Pastor Leopold Mahofa, who represented Permanent Secretary Mr Tafadzwa Muguti, commended the current group comprising 276 graduands, made up of 243 males and 33 females, up from 210 in the previous intake, for their resilience and commitment.

Pastor Mahofa said the initiative was close to the First Lady’s heart and continues to play a critical role in shaping disciplined, confident and self-reliant citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to society.

“This programme is dear to Her Excellency, the First Lady, Dr Mnangagwa, as witnessed by the regular interactions she holds with the graduand youth and young adults and their families.

“It has impacted strongly on the communities, provinces and the nation at large, as always witnessed by the tears of joy from both parents, guardians and graduands each time they interact with the First Lady,” he said.

Director Mahofa said more than 1 200 graduands have so far passed through this state-of-the-art Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre, supported by very good nutritious food, exercise, accommodation and medical facilities.

Director Mahofa commended the graduands for embracing rehabilitation and urged them to remain focused as they proceed to vocational training.

“To the graduands, stay grounded and focused on the training to its tail end, whereby you end up attaining certificates in your fields of expertise,” he said.

“You have done extremely well to be rehabilitated, as witnessed by the displays you earlier exhibited. You have been moulded into good and real youth and young adults by this rehabilitation programme.”

Director Mahofa said as they leave for further skills training at a local vocational training centre, they should continue to give a good ear to the trainers and be good ambassadors of the Angel of Hope Rehabilitation Centre.

“Go excel in your areas of calling and aim to be the best always, so as to be able to qualify to receive start-up equipment at the end of your training, to instantly become employers for your new companies and contribute to the accelerated attainment of the national Vision 2030, ‘Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030’.”

Director Mahofa encouraged them to emulate the fourth intake, citing tangible success stories.

“I encourage you to take a leaf from your forerunners, the 4th graduands’ stream, of whom three qualified and received start-up equipment and resources at the vocational training centre, while two qualified for further training in Algeria,” he said.

Turning to parents and guardians, Director Mahofa applauded them for enrolling their children and called for sustained support as the youths reintegrate into society.

“To the parents and guardians, you are saluted for caring for your children by ensuring that they were enrolled at the Centre for rehabilitation. Continue to exhibit greater love to them when they return with certificates than you were doing before they were transformed, as their complete transformation will require your full support.