FAITH NDOU
GUTU- As the Government turns its focus on raising living standards of marginalised communities, Gutu East residents have embraced a free skills training opportunity courtesy of the Member of Parliament for the area Zvarevashe Masvingise.
Through a two-week skills training programme in various courses offered by Tonganyika Trust, residents have hailed the initiative as a step towards levelling the developmental platform.
Being one of Gutu’s most remote areas, located about 135km from the administrative centre Mupandawana Town and lying in region 5, Gutu East has long faced challenges such as poor network coverage, transport difficulties and limited access to employment opportunities for school leavers and youths.
The area falls under Chiefs Chitsa, Mazuru, Munyikwa and Chimombe, who have consistently raised concerns about the need to align Gutu East with the Vision 2030 development trajectory.
Masvingise, who assumed office late last year through a by-election has since initiated several programmes aimed at transforming the constituency.
Last month, MP Masvingise launched an ambitious free skills training programme across all 10 wards in collaboration with Tonganyika Trust, an organisation working to make skills training accessible to rural communities without formal educational qualifications.
Speaking at the launch, MP Masvingise said, “All this is being done to ensure that no one and no place is left behind as the country moves towards the National Vision. Residents must play their part in national development by contributing to the gross domestic product starting at household level. Dependence on donor aid should be a thing of the past. We must embrace the mantra ‘brick by brick, building Zimbabwe.’”
Training in 13 disciplines began on the 13th of this month, with about 1 000 residents from Wards 12, 17, 36 and 39 attending sessions at Batanayi Primary School in Basera over two weeks.
Gutu East Constituency Development Coordinator Zvandasarira Mutimwi said the response had been overwhelming, particularly among young women.
“The turnout has been impressive, with young women forming the majority, followed by youths and elderly women, while elderly men have the least attendance. After these trainings, Gutu East especially Basera Growth Point will never be the same as graduates begin to apply their skills for sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
He added that the initiative has the potential to transform the local economy.
“Gutu East has long been viewed as remote and underdeveloped, but these initiatives are changing that narrative. Despite being in region 5, we can turn our small grains into an economic hub especially with growing demand for healthy foods. Our once sleepy growth point will soon become a hive of activity,” Mutimwi said.
Ward 39 Councillor Ndinatsei Madzadzure applauded residents for embracing the programme, particularly women who had previously been excluded from such opportunities.
“It is encouraging to see young women, many of whom could not continue their education due to early marriages, taking initiative to improve their lives. Women are now enrolling in courses traditionally dominated by men, such as welding, building, electrical installation and driving,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Tendai Chimombe from Mushwayi area, shared her experience:
“I have been a housewife for two years, relying on my husband as the sole provider and sometimes going hungry when he could not provide. I completed my O-Level with five passes but could not proceed due to financial challenges. This programme has come at the right time. I am now training in driving, mortuary science, events planning and décor, and welding — all for free,” she said.
Eighteen-year-old Trust Mangoni, a student at Zimbizi Secondary School, said the training would help him secure a better future.
“I took up driving, welding and electrical installation so that when I finish school, I can start working. With limited job opportunities, school leavers need practical skills to create employment in their communities. This also helps in reducing drug and substance abuse among youths,” he said.
A similar programme was previously introduced in Gutu South by Member of Parliament Pupurai Togarepi where over 400 residents from 10 wards underwent training at Maungwa High School.
