Youth Interactive Writer
National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Professor Paul Mavima, has urged young people to use the skills they acquire to uplift communities and contribute towards national development.
Speaking at the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Free Weekend Academy Season Three graduation ceremony held at Churchill Boys High School in Harare, Prof Mavima said education should go beyond certificates and become a tool for transformation.
“Do not put aside the skills you have received. Practise them, improve them and use them to serve others. Education multiplies when those who have been taught go on to teach, encourage and uplift others,” he said.
The graduation ceremonies, held on May 2 and 3, saw 788 graduands completing a three-month programme focused on practical skills, personal development and character building.
Prof Mavima applauded IYF for empowering communities through accessible education and mindset transformation.
“The graduation we witness today is not merely a ceremony of certificates. It is a celebration of commitment, sacrifice, discipline, growth and hope,” he said.
He added that true national development depends on empowered citizens.
“True national development is not built only through roads, buildings and infrastructure. It is built through skilled, disciplined and hopeful citizens who believe they can learn, grow and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
The Academy offered 13 subjects aimed at equipping participants with confidence, practical skills and a positive mindset. Since its launch, the programme has produced close to 1 122 graduands from Season One to Season Three.
IYF Chairman Prof Pastor Shim also encouraged graduands to seek inner transformation and hope.
He shared a testimony about travelling from Korea to Zimbabwe in 2017 and discovering a fly inside his bag, saying the insect could never have made the journey alone.
Using the story, he explained how his own life changed after finding faith and hope.
Graduands praised the programme for changing their lives and boosting their confidence.
Mike Kambanje said the story of the koi fish, which grows according to its environment, inspired him to believe in personal growth and transformation.
Public Speaking graduand Rudo Muyengwa said the Academy helped her overcome fear and become more confident.
“The Academy helped me develop a focused mindset and confidence to speak before others. I learnt that anything is possible if you persevere and never give up,” she said.
IYF also announced that Season Four of the Free Weekend Academy will begin on May 16, with the programme expanding from 13 to 20 subjects.
The initiative continues to grow as one of the community-driven programmes aimed at empowering Zimbabwean youths through free practical education and mentorship.
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