Staff Reporter
The First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, has once again demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the empowerment and upliftment of Zimbabwean communities.
Speaking at a landmark event in Masvingo recently, where 1 000 goats were handed over to the Young Women for Economic Development (YW4ED), the Agric4She patron highlighted the transformative power of the Goat Pass-On Programme.
This initiative, she said, embodies the core values of empowerment, wealth creation, and resilience while significantly improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
Dr. Mnangagwa emphasised that goats, known for their adaptability to challenging conditions, present an affordable and sustainable avenue for livestock production.
She explained that the Goat Pass-On Programme transcends mere asset creation, fostering a spirit of self-reliance, enhanced productivity, and communal growth.
Dr. Mnangagwa reiterated that the Goat Pass-On Programme is more than just improving livestock breeds; it symbolises the journey towards sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment. By providing goats, the programme opens doors to income generation and personal growth, while strengthening communal bonds.
"Together, you will achieve more and help transform your quality of life. Let us pass on not just goats, but knowledge, skills, and support systems that provide safety nets for the vulnerable," she said.
Amai Mnangagwa urged the young women from Masvingo’s seven districts to extend the initiative’s benefits to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, widows, and child-headed families.
"Let us ensure that no one is left behind on the path to success," she said.
The First Lady also distributed farming inputs to vulnerable groups. These included compound D fertiliser, ammonium nitrate, maize seed, sorghum seed, sunflower seed, groundnuts, velvet beans, vegetable combo seed, knapsack sprayers, and pesticides.
Through her Angel of Hope Foundation, she extended her generosity further by gifting groceries to the elderly, people with disabilities, and orphans. Everyone present received rice and mealie meal.
In addition to livestock distribution, Dr. Mnangagwa inaugurated a solar-powered borehole and established nutrition gardens and fish ponds at Chidzikwe Secondary School.
The First Lady called on women to prioritise projects that would benefit future generations.
"As we gather here, we are not just participants in a programme but part of a united community focused on uplifting ourselves and creating a brighter future for our children," she said.
The First Lady acknowledged the challenges posed by poverty, particularly its adverse effects on women and children.
She stressed that access to productive resources such as livestock is a crucial tool in breaking the cycle of poverty.
"Small livestock like goats offer a remarkable pathway to economic empowerment, especially for vulnerable households," Dr. Mnangagwa noted.
Through her initiatives, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa continues to inspire communities to rise above challenges and embrace opportunities for a better future.
The Goat Pass-On Programme is not just an economic venture, but a beacon of hope, unity, and shared prosperity for Zimbabwean women and their communities.
