Hope was restored for 38 youths on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, after they graduated with vocational certificates at Teen Rescue Mission Youth Centre in Chitungwiza, marking a key step in the fight against youth unemployment, substance abuse and crime.
The graduates, mostly young single mothers and men from disadvantaged and marginalized communities, completed six-month training in Baking, Catering, Dressmaking, Hairdressing and Welding.
Officiating at the ceremony, TRM Director Dr. Abraham Matuka said the programme was created to promote self-reliance and keep young people productively engaged.
“I am so happy to see you here today holding certificates that show you have made it. Now it is your responsibility to go out and use these skills you have acquired to build your lives and contribute positively to society,”_Dr. Matuka told the graduates.
He linked the training to national development goals, citing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra: “‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo’ -let us build our nation through our hard work and dedication.”
Dr. Matuka also thanked the Chinese Embassy for donating equipment that made the training possible.
“I want to thank Chinese Ambassador H.E Zhou Ding for always standing to support our youth organisation,” he said.
Guest of Honour, Bishop Dr. Aderino Nyabanga, applauded TRM’s work in redirecting vulnerable youths.
“These young people could have been out there without direction or hope, but because of Teen Rescue Mission they now have skills, purpose, and a vision for their future,” Bishop Nyabanga said.
He urged the graduates to shun drugs and become ambassadors of positive change.
The event drew emotional testimonies. Nomatter Mherera, a Baking graduate and single mother, said TRM helped her overcome drug addiction.
“I came to the TRM Youth Centre as a drug addict. Today I am sober. Today I am not known as a drug addict, I am known as a graduate,” she said.
Ms. Manyaya, also a single mother, said the skills would enable her daughter to support the family, while John Munemo, who dropped out due to school fees, said the programme gave him direction.
TRM said its life skills mandate is part of a broader strategy to protect youths from idleness, early marriages and crime by giving them tools to earn a living.
