The government has intensified its efforts to revive the National Youth Service Programme, as revealed by the recent Cabinet briefing.
During the briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Honorable Jenfan Muswere, disclosed that the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire, provided an update on the progress towards reinstating the programme.
Several pivotal stages are already in motion to actualize the programme’s revival. Last August, Cabinet endorsed the fundamental principles for the re-establishment of the programme. Currently, the National Youth Service bill, which will govern the operational framework of the programme, is undergoing drafting.
Furthermore, an inter-Ministerial committee will be formed to oversee the implementation of the programme.
The envisaged training programme is slated to span six months and will cater to youths aged between 18 and 35. It will comprise three months of institutionalized training followed by three months of community attachment.
Enrolment for the programme is scheduled to commence in June 2024, with an initial intake of 750 youths from across the nation. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive certificates.
A new curriculum has been crafted, integrating national orientation with life skills training and entrepreneurial development. The primary objective is to align youths with the national discourse and foster their holistic development.
In 2024, the programme aims to train a total of 10,000 youths from all ten provinces of the country. Notably, the National Youth Service Programme has been rebranded as the Youth Service in Zimbabwe.
Graduates of the programme will be accorded priority in employment, admission to public sector positions, and higher and tertiary education institutions. Additionally, they will be given preferential support for financial assistance to establish new projects and businesses.
