First-ever vocational center seeks to empower women in Jambezi
Victor Sibanda
Relief and excitement have filled the air in Jambezi, a large rural service center under Chief Shana’s jurisdiction, following the announcement of its first-ever vocational training center.
“This is long overdue,” exclaimed Ketani Ncube, a local businessman from Mazhanga. “Our children have had to travel far and wide, even to the capital, for vocational training. Having a center right here is a huge weight off our shoulders.”
The initiative, spearheaded by program coordinator Misheck Ngulube, aims to equip residents, particularly women and young mothers, with essential livelihood skills. Ngulube pointed out the area’s lack of such facilities, forcing residents to migrate to cities like Victoria Falls and Hwange in search of employment opportunities. “Skilled people are what we need here,” Ncube continued. “We don’t want our youth, especially women, ending up as domestic workers or worse, in precarious situations, in the city.”
Ngulube’s vision aligns perfectly with the community’s aspirations. Angela Sibanda-Ncube of Silibinda Village 5 expressed her delight: “This is a dream come true! Women and girls will benefit immensely from this center. We must all take advantage of this opportunity to prevent it from becoming a white elephant.”
Chief Shana’s senior headman, Simon Chabwa Mazhanga, confirmed the project’s progress. “We have identified and allocated a suitable piece of land for Ngulube and his team. Everyone is eager to see construction begin soon. This center is primarily for women and girls, who are the most vulnerable in our community. We hope this expedites the reduction of rural-urban migration for education and training purposes,” he stated.
This development aligns with Zimbabwe’s 1990 vocational and technical education policy, providing a framework for skills training across the nation. The upcoming Jambezi center signifies a significant step towards empowering local communities and fostering self-reliance.
