2 123 Youths Trained Under Youth Service Programme as Government Expands Skills Drive

HARARE — A total of 2 123 youths were trained under the Youth Service in Zimbabwe (YSZ) programme in 2025 as Government intensifies efforts to equip young people with practical skills, discipline and civic values to enhance employability and participation in national development.

In a statement, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training said the programme, which was reintroduced in 2021 and revised in 2022, continues to attract youths from across the country and is now open for new applications.

Following the official launch of the revised programme by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on May 24, 2024, training commenced at Dadaya and Vumba Youth Service Training Centres in the Midlands and Manicaland provinces. The two centres enrolled 1 156 youths drawn from all provinces. In 2025, Dadaya and Vumba, together with Guyu Youth Service Training Centre in Matabeleland South, trained a combined total of 2 123 youths.

The programme targets young people aged between 18 and 35, including persons with disabilities, and runs for six months. It is divided into three months of national orientation and three months of community attachment. Training covers national history, civic education, entrepreneurship, disaster management, career guidance, drug and substance abuse awareness, as well as national economic and youth policies.

Cabinet has elevated the status of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe certificate, directing that it be a prerequisite for admission into State higher and tertiary institutions and for appointment into the public service, State enterprises and parastatals. In April 2025, Cabinet further instructed security sector ministries and agencies to prioritise suitably qualified YSZ graduates during recruitment.

The ministry said the programme promotes discipline, integrity, resilience and Ubuntu values, while contributing to reduced delinquency and healthier lifestyles among youths. Graduates have previously supported national disaster response efforts during Cyclone Eline and Cyclone Idai and have also provided voluntary service at major State and community events.