First Lady’s skills development programme oversubscribed . . . encourages hard work and sustainable projects
DUE to the overwhelming response to her newly launched programme on Thursday aimed at economically empowering youths, young mothers and fathers, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa on Friday held the second edition of the initiative in Harare.
The life-changing programme was well-received, prompting Amai Mnangagwa to conduct another session in Mabvuku, following the launch at the Harare Polytechnic.
Both venues were oversubscribed as people came out in their numbers to tap into the First Lady’s teachings on hard work and marriage building.
The programme saw the first group of more than 600 beneficiaries receiving certificates after completing courses in detergents and petroleum jelly making; carpentry; dressmaking; cosmetology; information and communications technology (ICT); and cell phone and computer repairing. The skills capacitation programme is ongoing.
More beneficiaries start training this week following certification of the pioneers, courtesy of the Angel of Hope Foundation and its partners.
The First Lady’s skills capacity development engagement with young adults programme will be taken to all the country’s provinces.
By ensuring all young people — including the most marginalised and disadvantaged — unlock their potential through access to self-sustaining projects, the First Lady is driving towards economic empowerment that helps men and women to provide financially prosperous futures for themselves and their families.
Amai Mnangagwa believes that skills training increases productivity and improves standards of living.
Also, the beneficial outcomes of engagement with young mothers and fathers on marriage issues are improved communication skills, behaviour, family relations and self-esteem, and reduction in drug abuse, domestic violence and divorce cases.
Amai Mnangagwa advised the young women and men to work on their projects in groups.
Representatives from the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, Empower Bank and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development — who were present in support of the First Lady’s vision — took the groups through steps to follow to access loans for their projects.
They also took them through financial literacy and how to develop project proposals and pledged unwavering support to ensure that the projects thrive.
Pregnant with important teachings and rich with laughter, the day commenced with separate sessions where men and women got inspiration and guidance from Dr Mnangagwa, who was in the company of professional therapists and the elderly.
During discussion with the women, the atmosphere was full of energy and excitement, as they deliberated on various topics and came up with a list of attributes expected of a dignified woman.
Participants showed enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.
The First Lady addressed them on the objectives of the programme.
“Madzimai, today we have come to empower each other through projects and to discuss our stories as women and, at the same time, share ideas. When Amai is around, no issue is sacred,” said the First Lady.
“My aim is to discuss with you certain issues because you are new in the marriage union and some of you are looking forward to getting married soon. Watching over a home concerns both men and women, so what are you doing as a young mother to raise your family?
“Do you know what you are supposed to do? As a young married woman, do you know your roles? Nhasi tauya kuzotaura kuti chinonzi munhukadzi chii, chinonzi imba chii. I hear these days the younger generation calling themselves ‘Mamoz manyama’. This is what we want to hear today as to what that means exactly. Muri manyama pakutii?” she asked, drawing laughter from the crowd.
She said, as a mother, she was troubled by high cases of divorce affecting young couples and advised them to remain steadfast in their marriages.
“We are saying the marriage you are in was ordained by God, who hates divorce. Tiri kuti mumba imomo ndiyo imba yako yausiri kuzobuda. Put God first in your marriage and if there are any challenges between you and your spouse, learn to communicate and iron out your differences amicably. I have brought experts and the elderly to take you through certain topics. We want stronger and healthier marriages built on a foundation of trust, communication, mutual respect and hard work, free from drug abuse, domestic violence and divorce,” she said, before giving the floor to Evangelist Nelly Gwatidzo.
Amai Gwatidzo spoke on the definition of a wife, mother and the importance of effective communication in a marriage.
“A good wife exhibits both care and compassion. She understands when her husband is frustrated, and tries to make him happy. Her caring disposition makes sure the marriage is free from domestic violence. As a good wife, you should love your husband’s family without being selective; embrace them all. There are other marriages which are shaking as we speak, but with this programme, our mother, the First Lady, has brought pillars to support your marriage and stop it from shaking. Being a good wife requires more than just love. She needs to be caring, devoted, trustworthy, dignified, God-fearing, respectful, honest and above all, must be a good communicator to keep her marriage whole. A good wife should be submissive to her husband,” she said.
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