Vocational Skills Training Programme (VSTP)

The VSTP started mid-2011 and was a pilot project focusing on those youths who were now adults and had nothing to do. The goal of the programme was to equip 30 adolescents with vocational skills which would assist them to gain employment in the immediate future. They had the choice of doing a short course with Harare Polytechnic College. This was a generous donation supported by the Swiss Aids Care International.
The beneficiaries graduated at the end of the year 2011, having completed courses in cosmetology (6), graphic designing (5), professional cookery (9), electrical installations (2), motor mechanics (2), auto electrical (2), fitting and turning (2), welding and fabrications (1). Unfortunately one of these beneficiaries passed on.
After the completions of the short courses they then went on to do Business Skills Training and ICDL training with the aid of experts in those areas. It is with great joy to note that some have gained employment.

“Being part of the vocational skills training programme has really changed my life. I have experienced a good and wonderful time on attachment. I’m still on attachment and looking forward on learning more. I have had fun, lots of fun, even though it’s senseless to do designing without your own machine. I’m still looking forward to having my own machine and also growing big in the designing industry.” Gordon (20)