The United States Agency for International Development (USAid) is spearheading a youth initiative programme to prevent drug and substance use in Goromonzi district, Mashonaland East province.
The Mavambo Orphan Care, Vana Activity, targets young people between the ages of nine and 18 years who are part of the USAid-supported skills training programme.
The young people receive training in such practical subjects as welding, baking and many other courses that are taught to enable them to contribute to society gainfully and financially.
Speaking during a recent visit to Chabwino Primary School, USAid mission director, Janean Davis expressed satisfaction with the work being done by the youths who displayed their handiwork for sale during the tour.
“I have seen how the Vana programme works to improve incomes of families that care for orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe and I must say I am proud to see young people participating in income generating activities,” Davies said.
“As we are living in an era where drug use is on the rise, keeping the young occupied is important as it ensures that they earn some income at the same time being destructed from engaging in risky behaviour which includes drug use which leads to addiction and many bad effects.”
USAid has been working to improve health, safety, education and stability for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), adolescents and youth across Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Mavambo Trust Orphan Care technical director Beaula Ruparanganda said they were empowering the youths, financially as well as ensuring that they are aware of their statuses as the country focuses on reaching the UNAIDS goal to end Aids by 2030.
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“We are working with the government to ensure that we reach the 95-95-95 Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS) goal.
“That means 95% of the people who are living with HIV know their HIV status, 95% of the people who know that they are living with HIV being on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of people who are on treatment being virally suppressed,” she said.
Linda Chigondo, a beneficiary of the programme, earns at least US$60 through wielding learnt through the programme.
“With drug abuse on the rise, I think I was saved since I will be occupied all the time and will be in the right environment,” she said.
Eighteen-year-old Obadiah Matienga from Kutama Farm said he received a welding machine, safety shoes and all the equipment needed to start his welding business through the programme.
