A new generation of skilled and enterprising young people is preparing to contribute to Zimbabwe’s economy following the graduation of 303 students from Ponesai Vanhu Technical College (PVTC). The college held its Fourth Graduation Ceremony in Shamva District, Mashonaland Central Province, on Thursday, 12 November 2026.
Held under the theme of youth empowerment through practical skills development, the ceremony celebrated 172 male and 131 female graduates who completed technical, vocational and green skills training programmes. The ceremony was officiated by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.
The 303 graduates came from several training pathways. A total of 143 completed HEXCO-accredited programmes in Motor Mechanics, Hotel and Catering, and Motor Vehicle Maintenance. Another 100 graduated from programmes offered in collaboration with Bindura University of Science Education. These covered Confectionery and Bakery Studies, Beauty Therapy, Garment Construction and Pattern Making, Brick and Block Laying, Electrical Gadgets Repairs, and Motor Vehicle Maintenance.
A further 60 young people completed the Youth Outreach Green Skills Training Programme, gaining practical skills in Horticulture, Aquaculture and Apiculture.
Among them was 19-year-old Sasha Dikiko from Rusape, who completed Confectionery and Bakery Studies. She now works at Classic Foods, where she undertook her industrial attachment.
“I am grateful to have completed my training in Confectionery and Bakery Studies. I am now working at Classic Foods, where I completed my industrial attachment. I am happy that I have turned my training into employment, and I look forward to growing in my career,” Sasha said.
Twenty-two-year-old Tinotenda Masango also completed Motor Mechanics training had this to say, “Completing my Motor Mechanics training is a great achievement. I have gained practical skills and technical knowledge that have prepared me to pursue opportunities in the automotive industry. These skills can help me find employment or establish my own business. I am grateful for the opportunity to receive this training, and I look forward to putting my skills into practice and building a better future,” he said.
Addressing the graduates, Mr Byle Manyange of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training urged them to look beyond conventional employment and use their skills to address challenges in their communities. He encouraged the young people to identify local needs and develop practical solutions, emphasising their potential to become innovators, job creators and contributors to community development.
The Provincial Director for Finance, Ms Venia Shonhiwa, highlighted the importance of a skilled, adaptable and innovative workforce in advancing Mashonaland Central’s economic development. She pointed to opportunities in mining, tourism and agriculture, noting that these sectors require people who can apply their knowledge creatively, embrace innovation and generate value.
To help graduates move from training into enterprise, those who completed horticulture, apiculture and aquaculture programmes received start-up kits. The kits will help them apply their skills in income-generating activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, DAPP Zimbabwe Country Director Mr Luckson Soda reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to developing skilled, innovative and productive young people who can contribute to national development.
“DAPP Zimbabwe remains committed to developing skilled, innovative and productive young people who can contribute meaningfully to national development. We recognise that achieving this requires strong partnerships with Government, industry, private-sector players and development partners. Through such collaboration, we can create more opportunities for graduates through industrial attachments, mentorship, employment and enterprise support, enabling young people to translate their skills into meaningful economic opportunities”.
The ceremony highlighted the role of vocational education in human capital development, employment creation and inclusive growth.
Established in 1981, Ponesai Vanhu Technical College is a DAPP Zimbabwe initiative that provides practical vocational education, particularly for young people from rural and marginalised communities who may not meet conventional university entry requirements.
The college’s work supports Heritage-Based Education 5.0 and the National Skills Development Vision 2030, which emphasise relevant skills and innovation.
As the graduates begin the next stage of their journeys, their stories show the value of vocational training in creating practical routes towards economic participation and independence, including for young people in rural communities.
Congratulations to the Ponesai Vanhu Technical College Class of 2026!