YOUTH Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training minister Tinoda Machakaire has called for urgent co-ordinated action to empower young people and curb the rising tide of drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe.
Machakaire said recent findings by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency revealed a worrying trend, with an estimated 2,3 million youths out of a total youth population of 5,4 million neither in education, employment nor training.
He said the statistics exposed a growing gap that had created fertile ground for social ills such as drug and substance abuse.
“This sobering statistic underscores the urgent need for deliberate, coordinated and accelerated efforts to empower young people and ensure their full integration into the economy,” he said.
Machakaire described the youth demographic as the country’s greatest asset, whose innovation, energy and creativity could drive inclusive growth and transformation if properly harnessed.
“The youth are our greatest resource,” he said.
“When empowered and given the right platforms, they can be the driving force behind our nation’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda.”
The minister said efforts were underway to strengthen youth empowerment programmes to address unemployment, poverty and social challenges affecting young people.
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A collaborative approach involving the private sector, development partners and communities is needed to create sustainable livelihoods and reduce youth vulnerability to drugs, he added.
“The rise in drug and substance abuse is a clear sign that many of our young people feel disconnected and hopeless.
“We must restore their confidence and give them meaningful participation in the economy.”
Machakaire said his ministry was aligning empowerment and skills development initiatives with the demands of the modern job market to ensure young people acquire practical, marketable skills.
“The focus is on equipping youths with practical skills that make them employable and self-reliant,” he said.
“We are promoting vocational training, entrepreneurship and access to finance for youth-led enterprises.”
The National Aids Council recently called for non-stigmatisation and promotion of drug and substance abuse interventions and responses to ensure respect, dignity and rights of individuals.
As of last year in August, the Development Aid report stated that Zimbabwe is in the grip of a devastating drug abuse epidemic that has left thousands of young people addicted and vulnerable.
The report stated that the crisis has spiralled out of control, with streets and homeless shelters filled with individuals struggling with substance abuse.
