Takunda, with support from USAID, launched a Technical Vocational Training and Education (TVET) support program for young people aged between 15 and 29 years. Through the program, selected young people in Buhera are undertaking a nine-month training opportunity at Magamba Vocational Training Centre, a few kilometers from Mutare.

The first cohort of seventy-five young people from Buhera joined peers from Mutare, Chivi, and Zaka. Vocational courses on building, Hotel, and Catering, as well as Clothing and Technology. The students, comprising forty-three (43) females and thirty-two (32) males, underwent a hammer and grill theory during the first three months with practicals. The most fundamental thing is that the young people will be assisted to get a six-month industrial attachment before graduating.

May, 17, 2022: At Magamba Vocational Training Centre, at least 43 out of 75 are girls from Buhera, “Women and girls are less at risk of abuse when they have the skills to earn a living,” the councilor for Ward 7 endorsed. 300 young people from Buhera, Chivi, Mutare Rural, and Zaka were part of the first cohort of students of Takunda’s TVET program © Charmaine Chitate / CARE

One of the most significant added values of Takunda’s technical vocational education and training program is that it extends opportunities for decent work to include entrepreneurship, discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills. Combined, these skills are packaged to encourage students to start their own businesses and continue to grow professionally.

In March 2022, Takunda invited young people between the ages of 15 and 29 to apply for enrolment for technical vocational and education training. The overwhelming turnout led to an interview process where seventy-five young people from extremely poor households with basic education (even without ordinary level passes) were shortlisted. The young people will graduate with opportunities for personal entrepreneurship and employability as young people.

The training is expected to bring about many successful scenarios like financial independence, the ability to run a business, and attending to life’s day-to-day needs like caring for growing children. One lady, who has enrolled in a Building course, narrates,

“I have big plans.”

May, 17, 2022: A young student sits through an orientation session hosted by the teaching staff at Magamba Vocational Training Centre. A total of 150 students from 4 districts in Manicaland and Masvingo are benefiting from Takunda’s TVET program. © Charmaine Chitate / CARE

She intends to build a mansion for herself and graduate from her current pole and dagga house.

Abigail Nyirenda, a Business Development Officer at Takunda responsible for the enrolment of young people at the district level, shared,

“When young women and girls are given the tools to succeed, they utilize them. Not only to lift themselves but to support and strengthen their families and communities.”

The councilor for Ward 7 supported this statement during the send-off to Magamba of the young people by saying,

“Women and girls are less at risk of abuse when they have the skills to earn a living.”