Thirty eight youths graduate in life skills at Teen Rescue Mission

Thirty-eight youths on Tuesday graduated with certificates in vocational training at the Teen Rescue Mission (TRM) Youth Centre in a ceremony aimed at equipping vulnerable young people with practical skills to combat unemployment, drug abuse and crime. The graduates completed programs in Baking, Catering, Dressmaking, Hairdressing, and Welding. The majority of them were young single mothers and young men from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“I am so happy to see you here today holding certificates that show you have made it. Now it is your responsibility to go out and use the skills you have acquired to build your lives and contribute positively to society,” Dr. Matuka said.

He urged the graduates to embrace productivity, quoting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call: ” ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo,’ let us build our nation through our hard work and dedication.” Guest of Honor Bishop Dr. Aderino Nyabanga commended TRM for its intervention. “These young people could have been out there without direction or hope, but because of TRM they now have skills, purpose, and a vision for their future,” Dr.

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Nyabanga said. He challenged the graduates to reject drug and substance abuse and become role models in their communities. Several graduates gave testimonies.

Nomatter Mherera, who trained in Baking, said she had overcome drug addiction through the programme. “I came to the TRM Youth Centre as a drug addict. Today I am sober, today I am not known as a drug addict, I am known as a graduate,” she said.

Manyaya, a single mother, said the skills would help her daughter support the family. John Munemo, who dropped out of school due to lack of fees, said the training restored his purpose. TRM’s empowerment initiatives have been designed as a broader mandate to keep youths away from idleness, early marriages and crime by providing marketable life skills.

Nigel PfundeNigel Pfunde is a Zimbabwean journalist and news editor based in Harare. He is known for his work with Express Mail Zimbabwe and has also served as News Editor at Zim Morning Post. With a background in investigative and political reporting, Pfunde has covered a wide range of topics including fraud cases, government affairs, economic issues, and community outreach. His writing reflects a strong commitment to accountability and public interest journalism.

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