A LARGE crowd gathered at the Large City Hall on Thursday as the City of Bulawayo held a vocational training graduation, where young people were encouraged to use their skills to build businesses rather than wait for limited formal jobs.
Deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu praised the graduands for their determination.
“Today is not just a graduation ceremony, it is a celebration of discipline, hard work and perseverance,” he said.
Ndlovu told the gathering that the group had spent three demanding years in practical workshops, assessments and coursework, and their presence at the ceremony showed resilience and readiness for the future.
“Empowering youths through technical training is part of the country’s broader development vision.”
He said the theme of the graduation was linked to national economic goals, and he also told guests that Zimbabwe needs young people who can build, innovate and transform industries.
“The graduands were entering a vital space in economic growth,” he added.
Ndlovu said 243 students received certificates in fields that included building, art, carpentry, agriculture, dressmaking, mechanics, solar installation, plumbing and metal fabrication.
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“The number reflected ongoing efforts to expand youth empowerment programmes,” he said.
The deputy mayor encouraged graduates to continue learning.
He urged them to pursue trade tests and journeyman classification, stating: “Take this as a stepping stone. Go further.”
He added that advanced qualifications would improve their employability and professional effectiveness, at the same time cautioning them that opportunities were limited and advising the young people to become job creators.
Ndlovu said the economic situation requires innovation, at the same time telling the graduates to use the skills they had gained to set up their own enterprises.
He thanked parents and guardians for supporting the learners throughout the three-year journey.
Development partners who provided funding and materials were also acknowledged, with city authorities stating that partner organisations had strengthened the vocational programme and helped empower local youths.
“You have achieved greatly, may you continue to work hard and achieve more,” Ndlovu said as he congratulated the learners for excelling in their chosen fields.
He said the certificates were the beginning rather than the end and encouraged graduates to apply their skills responsibly and confidently.
