Chipinge, Zimbabwe – Hope and opportunity blossomed at the Chipinge College of Horticulture on March 20, 2025, as 117 young individuals celebrated their graduation under the inspiring theme: “Beginning Afresh Through Vocational Skills Training.” The ceremony, hosted by the Youth Educational Pack (YEP) of the United Church Of Christ of Zimbabwe’s Christian Youth Fellowship (C.Y.F), marked a significant step towards empowering the district’s youth with practical skills for a prosperous future.
The distinguished event drew a diverse audience, including the esteemed Church President Rev J Matiza and several ministers, dedicated board members of the YEP, representatives from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, committed staff members, proud parents, and enthusiastic community members. The Guest of Honour, Mr. N Maphosa, the esteemed principal of Chibuwe High School, added further prestige to the occasion.
The graduating cohort completed a rigorous one-year program at the Chipinge School of Horticulture, which incorporates invaluable practical experience through mandatory holiday attachments. This hands-on approach, coupled with a curriculum that strategically integrates entrepreneurship as a compulsory module, directly aligns with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). Zimbabwe’s ambitious five-year plan (2021-2025) places enterprise development and job creation at the forefront of its agenda for sustainable and inclusive growth towards Vision 2030.
Mr. Ngwenya, the dedicated Administrator of the Youth Educational Pack, underscored the transformative impact of this entrepreneurial focus. “This emphasis has profoundly benefited our students, equipping them with a broader skillset that extends beyond their core disciplines,” he stated. He further highlighted the practical application of these skills through initiatives like the student-run fish farming project. Mr. Ngwenya confidently asserted that every graduate from the Chipinge School of Horticulture is poised to become a job creator, having gained a robust foundation in both the theory and practice of entrepreneurship during their time at the college.
A Diverse Palette of Skills for a Vibrant Economy
The YEP vocational training center offers a comprehensive array of one-year courses designed to meet the evolving needs of the local and national economy. These include vital trades such as brick and block laying, the art of cosmetology (hairdressing), the craftsmanship of carpentry and joinery, the precision of garment making, the technical expertise of motor vehicle mechanics and auto-electrics, the fabrication skills of welding, and the dynamic fields of tourism and hospitality. Recognizing the digital age, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is also a mandatory component, alongside Entrepreneurship.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to social responsibility, the center provides a safe and secure environment for its female students, as evidenced by a tour of the well-protected girls’ hostels.
(Image Description: A flier showcasing the diverse range of courses offered at Chipinge College of Horticulture.)
Cultural Vibrancy and Values Take Center Stage
The graduation ceremony was enlivened by a captivating performance of the Muchongoyo traditional dance troupe from the Maronga community. This vibrant display of art and culture served not only as entertainment but also as a powerful medium for fostering positive behavioral change and strengthening social cohesion within the community.
Rev J Matiza delivered an inspiring congratulatory address, urging the graduands to embrace excellence and passion in their future endeavors. He stressed the paramount importance of honesty and ethical conduct, emphasizing that these qualities are essential for building trust and fostering strong relationships within their communities. Rev Matiza reminded the graduates that their education at the college extended beyond technical skills to encompass humility and exemplary behavior, making them role models for others.
Mr. Ngwenya echoed these sentiments, congratulating both the graduates and the dedicated lecturers. He emphasized the profound significance of providing young people with knowledge that transcends barriers of race, class, and background. He further articulated how vocational education and training in Zimbabwe are perfectly aligned with the nation’s Education 5.0 framework, which prioritizes production and services driven by innovation and industrialization, ultimately contributing to the goal of achieving an upper-middle-class income by 2030.
The YEP vocational training center is also actively championing gender equity and equality, with female students enthusiastically pursuing traditionally male-dominated fields such as motor vehicle mechanics and welding. Furthermore, the center has adopted a practical approach to skills application, with renovations and construction projects now being undertaken by the respective student departments, providing invaluable on-the-job training and reducing reliance on external labor. The thriving entrepreneurship program sees students managing diverse projects including poultry, fish farming, goat rearing, and tuck-shops, providing hands-on experience in running viable businesses.
One elated graduating student shared her groundbreaking achievement: “I am incredibly excited to graduate as a motor mechanic. I have broken barriers in my family by pursuing this course, and I am proud to contribute to gender equality and the realization of Vision 2030.”
Guest of Honour Mr. N Maphosa commended the United Church Of Christ of Zimbabwe for its proactive role in working towards the national Vision 2030. He passionately encouraged the graduands to leverage their newly acquired skills and knowledge to achieve excellence in their lives. Emphasizing the power of education, he also addressed the critical issue of drug and substance abuse, urging the graduates to steer clear of this national threat. Mr. Maphosa concluded by encouraging them to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, utilizing the skills gained in their chosen fields, ICT, and entrepreneurship to establish their own businesses.
Charting a Course for Continued Success: Recommendations for Future Growth
To further empower Chipinge’s youth and strengthen the impact of vocational training centers in achieving Vision 2030, the following recommendations are put forth:
- Enhanced Stakeholder Support: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and various stakeholders are encouraged to increase their support for aspiring youths seeking enrollment in vocational training centers. This collaborative effort will be instrumental in equipping more young people with the skills needed to contribute to the nation’s development goals
