Staff Reporter
Members of Parliament have called for the Ministry of Youth Development and Vocational Training to re-introduce the National Youth Services (NYS) as a panacea to drug and substance abuse.
Speaking during parliamentary debates yesterday, Mt Darwin West legislator, Witness Jonga, advocated for the quick reintroduction of the NYS, saying that the course was important in grooming patriotic youths who are hardworking and shun drugs.
“Chekutanga gurukota rinoona nezve vechidiki dai zvaibvira vakwanisa kudzosa chirongwa chiye chainzi NYS. Chirongwa ichi chinogona kubatsira kupedza dambudziko rezvinodhaka munevechidiki. Dambudziko iri rinova ratambudza vanhu vakuru, vechidiki, chembere neharahwa, madzimambo, nevatungamiri vose kusanganisira isu tose. Sekuziva kwedu tose zvinodhaka izvi zvirikuuraya nemutowo wakasiyana-siyana,” said MP Jonga.
Furthermore, MP Jonga described how NYS would help the youth technically while working in collaboration with the Government.
“The programme of NYS, if it returns, will help the youth with technical initiatives such as welding, poultry production, and building, among others. We must work with the Government and civic organisations to create employment for the youth; thus, there will be no abuse of drugs,” said MP Jonga.
Meanwhile, recently, Youth Minister Tinoda Machakaire told Parliament that the NYS was set to be reintroduced to address the issue of drug and substance abuse and keep the youth engaged in developmental initiatives.
“The National Youth Services training will involve youth orientation for life skills, self-sufficiency, and participation in the Youth Build Zimbabwe Programme. Under this programme, young people are encouraged to participate in the development of their communities through the construction and rehabilitation of schools, clinics, and other infrastructure. This programme keeps them engaged and away from drug and substance abuse,” said Minister Machakaire then.
Meanwhile, The reintroduction of NYS is expected to drill a culture of service to nation-building, defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Zimbabwe by the youths, and help them stay away from drug abuse.
