National Youth Service to make a Comeback, Rebranded – Cabinet 

National Youth Service to make a Comeback, Rebranded – Cabinet

 

Brian Rungano Temba

 

 

A government minister last night told the press that Cabinet agreed on the Re-establishment of the National Youth Service Programme under Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.

 

Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting said, since the Cabinet decision in 2021 to re-establish the National Youth Service Programme, some progress has been registered by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.

 

 

“Achievements to date include

the National Youth Service Bill being drafted following the

approval of the Principles in August 2023.

 

Furthermore, an Inter-Ministerial Implementation Committee to oversee the implementation of the programme.

 

A 6-month training programme which will target youths between the ages of 18 and 35.

 

The programme, which covers 3 months of institutionalised training and 3 months of community attachment, will commence in June 2024 with an

enrolment of 750 youths across the country. Those who undergo

the training will be issued with certificates on completion of the

programme,” said Hon Dr. Muswere.

 

Hon Dr Muswere told the press that the new curriculum will infuse national orientation with life skills training and entrepreneurial development.

 

“New uniforms, signage and logo have been designed and will be

registered.

 

All Production Units are expected to fully utilise available land and

engage in commercial production units for self-sustenance; and a total of 10 000 youths are earmarked to undergo training in 2024.

 

The youths will be drawn equally from all the country’s ten provinces.

 

The recruitment will be cascaded to incorporate youths in all wards and districts; and the National Youth Service Programme has been renamed Youth Service in Zimbabwe,” added Hon Dr Muswere.

 

 

Cabinet agreed that going forward, youths who complete training will receive priority in employment and enrolment into public sector and higher and tertiary education institutions, and will be prioritised for financial support to establish new projects and businesses.