Staff Reporter

Citizens have called on Government to establish vocational training centres (VTC) in every constituency, particularly at key heritage sites, to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and cultural preservation.

This appeal was made during a recent budget consultation meeting held at Maungwa Secondary School in Gutu.

Member of Parliament for Gutu South constituency, Pupurai Togarepi, emphasized the importance of setting up such a centre at Kamungoma war heritage site.

 "The Kamungoma war heritage site could gain more significance if a vocational training centre is established at the site. This would provide a unique learning environment and enable the integration of history, culture, and education," he said.

The site, which commemorates the massacre of 104 civilians and one guerrilla combatant by Rhodesian forces in 1978, was recently commissioned by President Mnangagwa.

Chief Nemashakwe stressed the need to maintain the sanctity of the Kamungoma site, while also using it to serve the local youth.

“Establishing a vocational training centre at Kamungoma will not only honour our history but also provide skills and opportunities for our young people,” he remarked.

Education leaders also expressed concern over the limited access to vocational training in rural areas.

Tobaiwa Musendekwa, headmaster of Chagwiza Primary School, highlighted the need for industrial hubs in schools to support the Government's Education 5.0 model, which focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation.

"While the Education 5.0 model has been implemented successfully at the tertiary level, primary and secondary schools, in rural areas in particular, it is still lagging behind," Musendekwa said.

The Education 5.0 model, introduced by the Government, seeks to transition the education system from a focus on academia to one that prioritizes skills development, innovation, and industrialization.

However, rural schools, which often lack resources are struggling to meet the demands of this ambitious program.

Mercy Nyambuya, a community representative from Ward 32 in Gutu West, called for vocational training centres to be established across all constituencies to ensure greater accessibility.

 “Imagine how many people would benefit if Government established vocational training centres in Chatsworth, Bhasera, and Kamungoma,” she said, underscoring the need for investment in rural vocational education.

These proposals align with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.

By establishing vocational training centres at heritage sites, Government could create opportunities for youth empowerment, while preserving important cultural landmarks.

This initiative would support economic development, particularly in rural areas where opportunities for youth employment are limited.

The local community is hopeful that Government will heed these calls and take action to establish vocational centres that not only honour the country’s past, but also build a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s youth.