By Kuda Pembere
Zimbabwe continues to grapple with rising drug and substance misuse, a trend often linked to idleness and high unemployment among young people. In response, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training has begun establishing social innovation hubs, with the latest launched at Ruwa Vocational Training Centre on Friday.
The Ruwa Social Innovation Hub is a partnership between Government, UNICEF and Boost Fellowship.
Speaking at the launch, which coincided with the Harare Province combined graduation ceremony, Minister Tinoda Machakaire said the event’s theme aligned strongly with the National Youth Agenda.
“It is with immense pride and heartfelt joy that I join you today for a truly historic occasion, one that marks both the second combined graduation ceremony for Harare Province and the official launch of the Ruwa Social Innovation Hub.
“Today is a day of celebration, transformation, and promise. We honour the achievements of 312 young Zimbabweans, 228 males and 84 females, who have successfully completed their vocational training. Additionally, we are unveiling a bold new chapter in youth innovation and climate conscious enterprise with the commissioning of the Ruwa Social Innovation Hub.
“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, I extend my warmest congratulations to all our graduates. I also express my deepest appreciation to our partners, families, instructors, and communities who have made this day possible.
“The theme for this year’s graduation, Innovate, Digitalize, and Enterprise. Training and Skills Development Combating Drug and Substance Abuse, is not merely a slogan. It is a call to action. This theme speaks to the core of our national youth agenda and aligns with our Ministry’s vision to create empowered, skilled, and productive young Zimbabweans who contribute meaningfully to Vision 2030,” he said.
“This theme addresses a painful reality, the widespread issue of drug and substance abuse among our youth. This crisis threatens to undermine the potential of an entire generation. As a Ministry, we are responding with urgency and determination. Skills training is not just an economic intervention. It is a social vaccine. It restores dignity, builds identity, and offers a pathway to purpose.”
UNICEF Representative to Zimbabwe Etona Ekole said UNICEF is committed to helping Zimbabwe reach 1.5 million young people through the Zimbabwe Digital Skills Development Programme.
“This hub is part of the solution. It aligns with the Zimbabwe Digital Skills Development Programme launched by President Mnangagwa earlier this year.
“That programme aims to reach 1.5 million young people with digital literacy and skills and UNICEF is proud to contribute to this national target. Together with UN agencies, the private sector, and donors, we are committed to scaling this social innovation hub model to all 60 Vocational Training Centres across the country,” she said.
Ekole added that UNICEF’s new Strategic Plan, which begins next year, will deepen private sector partnerships in areas that benefit young people.
“In 2026, UNICEF will begin its new Strategic Plan 2026 to 2030. At its heart are adolescents and young people. We will focus on impact at scale, stronger systems, digital innovation, and partnerships, especially with the private sector. The Ruwa Social Innovation Hub is a perfect example of this vision in action. It combines skills, education, climate action, and entrepreneurship. It mobilizes public and private financing and puts young people in the lead,” she said.
“We share your ambition to modernize Vocational Training Centres by 2030. This hub shows how these centres can evolve into centres of innovation, green skills, and employability.”
