In a passionate and compelling address, Member of Parliament for Mbire constituency, Honorable David Butau has issued a clarion call to security departments, including the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, Zimbabwe Republic Police, and the Zimbabwe National Army, to prioritize opportunities for Mbire’s talented school leavers. Addressing a packed gathering of over 1,300 students at the Mbire district schools careers guidance day held at Sapa Secondary School, Honorable Butau underscored the critical need for local youths to be represented in these vital sectors.
Highlighting Mbire’s strategic location as a border community, Butau emphasized the importance of harnessing the potential of local youths to serve in the security services. He implored the authorities to consider waiving certain requirements, thereby affording Mbire’s school leavers a fair chance at securing coveted positions. This initiative seeks to mitigate local unemployment and empower young people to make meaningful contributions to national service.
The careers guidance day provided a valuable platform for students to engage with resource persons from diverse organizations, including government departments, big companies, and parastatals. Notably, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service was also represented, establishing a popular pavilion where students could garner information on joining the organization and its requisite qualifications.
The Public Relations team from Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service was inundated with inquiries from students, who swarmed the pavilion eager to learn about career opportunities within the organization. As the Public Relations team shared information with the students, their faces lit up with excitement and hope, envisioning themselves wearing the green uniform one day.
Honorable Butau’s appeal resonates with the government’s overarching mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind.” By promoting employment opportunities for local youths, Mbire can harness the talents and skills of its young population, thereby unlocking its full potential.
In an inspiring message to the students, Honorable Butau shared his personal story of overcoming adversity, highlighting that one’s area of upbringing should not determine their destiny. He recounted his own journey from Mbire to attaining university education, not only in Zimbabwe but also enrolling at top universities in the United Kingdom. Butau urged the students to work very hard, emphasizing the importance of dedication and perseverance in achieving their goals.
The Power of Education
Honorable Butau also touched on the critical issue of early child marriage, condemning the practice and urging parents to avoid it. He emphasized that education is key to success and that society has a duty to prevent young girls from dropping out of school due to early pregnancy. “Education is the key to success, and we as a society should make the environment conducive for young ones to pursue their education,” he said. This statement echoes the sentiment that “education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world,” a notion that resonates deeply with the objectives of the careers guidance day.
Empowering the Next Generation
The careers guidance day was a resounding success, with students gaining invaluable insights into various career paths. The event showcased the importance of synergy between government, private sector, and local leadership in empowering the next generation. As Mbire charts its future course, initiatives like these will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of its young people. By providing opportunities for employment and skills development, Mbire can unlock its vast potential and make meaningful contributions to national development.
Honorable Butau further expressed his satisfaction with the event, noting that it was oversubscribed, and emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for young people to make informed decisions about their career paths. “The event was oversubscribed, indeed such events are what our young people need so as to make informed decisions on career paths to follow,” said the Member of Parliament.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Ezekiel Guti University, Public Service Commission, and the organizers of the event, Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Department of Employment Services. Their participation underscored the commitment to empowering Mbire’s youth and fostering a brighter future for the community.
A Broader Initiative
The school’s career guidance day is a program being run by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Department of Employment Services in conjunction with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. The initiative aims to provide career guidance to students across the country, with Mashonaland Central province having made significant progress. Most districts in the province have been covered, with only two districts, Bindura and Shamva, remaining to be covered in the next two weeks. This program demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting the development of its young population and preparing them for the world of work.
