National Youth Service Programme set to be launche...

National Youth Service Programme set to be launched with revamped curriculum

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training has announced the date for the re-establishment of the National Youth Service Programme.

The programme, renamed Youth Service in Zimbabwe, is set to launch in June 2024 with an initial intake of 750 youths.

According to the Minister of Information, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the announcement follows a Cabinet decision in 2021 to revive the initiative.

Since then, the Ministry has been busy developing a new framework for the programme. A six-month training curriculum has been designed, incorporating elements of national identity and patriotism, alongside life skills training and entrepreneurial development.

Youths aged 18 to 35 will be eligible to participate in the programme, which will include three months of institutionalised training followed by three months of practical experience through community attachment. Upon successful completion, graduates will receive certificates and be offered preferential treatment for employment, public sector enrolment, and access to higher education.

Additionally, those who complete the programme will be prioritised for financial support to launch their own businesses.

The Ministry has also established an Inter-Ministerial Implementation Committee to oversee the programme’s rollout. The Minister further said, a recruitment drive will be cascaded down to district and ward levels to ensure nationwide participation. The government aims to train a total of 10 000 youths in 2024, with equal representation from all ten provinces.

“Those who undergo the training will be issued with certificates on completion of the programme; the new curriculum will infuse national orientation with life skills training and entrepreneurial development; new uniforms, signage and logo have been designed and will be registered; all Production Units are expected to fully utilise available land and engage in commercial production units for self-sustenance,” he said.