Teen Rescue Mission (TRM) Director Dr. Abraham Matuka has returned from China with a pledge to turn international lessons into practical opportunities for Zimbabwean youths battling unemployment, drug abuse and idleness.
Dr Matuka was in Fuzhou, China, from 8 to 25 October 2026, representing Zimbabwe at the African Youth Leadership Seminar that drew participants from 14 African countries.
The seminar, which included educational tours, cultural exchanges and leadership training, exposed participants to China’s development experience, innovation and community empowerment models.
Dr Matuka said the experience offered practical insights on how to equip young people with employable skills.
“The focus is not simply to acquire knowledge abroad, but to bring that knowledge home and use it to create opportunities for Zimbabwean youths,” he said on his return.
He said Teen Rescue Mission will use lessons from the seminar to strengthen its programmes at its Youth Centre in Seke Besa, Chitungwiza, which focuses on life-skills training, vocational development, digital literacy and entrepreneurship.
The organisation works with young people facing unemployment, substance abuse and early pregnancy.
During the seminar, Dr Matuka visited educational institutions in Fuzhou and historic sites including the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan, where he engaged with Chinese students on education, leadership and youth participation in development.
He said one of the key takeaways was China’s emphasis on practical skills, innovation and community contribution as drivers of youth empowerment.
Dr Matuka linked his experience to the longstanding Zimbabwe-China relations, established on 18 April 1980 and elevated to an all-weather community with a shared future in September 2025.
He thanked Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding, and the Chinese Embassy for facilitating his participation, saying educational exchanges should continue to benefit ordinary communities.
He said continued cooperation between the Embassy and local organisations like TRM can open doors for youth leadership, digital access and entrepreneurship.
“The ultimate measure of the seminar’s success will not be the certificate received, but the positive difference the knowledge can make in the lives of Zimbabwean youths,” Dr Matuka said.
