President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has urged young people to embody the values of patriotism, loyalty, and respect for their country and its leadership.
He was speaking at the official launch of the National Youth Service at Nhakiwa Vocational Training Centre in Uzumba yesterday.
“As the youth of this great nation, you have a special responsibility to uphold the values that make us who we are as Zimbabweans, to be true to yourselves, and to always put the interests of your country first.
“Young people, you have a duty to love your country and defend its values.
“Loyalty to your nation is a virtue that should be cultivated from a young age.
“You must respect the authority and leadership of your country, for they are there to serve you and lead you towards a better future.
“Remember that being patriotic means loving your country, being proud of its culture and history, and standing up for its values,” said the President.
In addition, he also reminded the youths that they ha ve the responsibility to build the country.
President Mnangagwa highlighted that in holding this youth forum, the government is promoting Vocational skills for young people.
“My government continues to promote STEM areas in order to develop our country. We want the Youth to have access to education.
“The Heritage 5.0 education ensures the production of goods and services so that the livelihoods of the people are transformed,” he said.
Furthermore he urged the youths to work hard to develop, modernise and industrialise the country.
“The youth of this country are our future, and I urge you to apply yourselves diligently to the task of modernizing and industrializing our nation.
“Hard work is the key to success, and as you embark on this journey, I urge you to be relentless in your efforts to realize the vision of a prosperous Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.
His Excellency thanked the communities of Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe for their unwavering support in the 2023 harmonised elections.
“You are the heartbeat of the party. We appreciate you. Since independence
“I emphasize that since independence, the Zanu-PF party has been winning resoundingly in Uzumba,” His Excellency declared.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the Nhakiwa Vocational Training Centre Business Unit, which falls under the Presidential Rural Development Programme.
The Business Unit consists of one hectare drip technology garden, two fishponds, 2x10 000 litre storage tanks and a solar-powered borehole
The Youth Service Programme in Zimbabwe is targeted at youths aged between 18 and 35 years.
The training programme will be for 6 months, three months of institutionalised training and three months of community attachment.
The theme at the official launch was “Empower Youth, Secure the Future,” emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment.
The launch was attended by Vice President General (Rtd) C. D. N. G Chiwenga, Vice President Col (Rtd) K. C. D Mohadi, Minister of Defence and Zanu-PF Chairperson Hon O. C. Z Muchinguri, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Senator Apollonia Munzverengwi, Minister of Youth Empowerment Development Vocational and Training Hon T. Machakaire, several Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and senior government officials.
Story by Jeremiah Gora