President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has today officially opened the Tariro Clinic and Youth Center in Hopley Area, Harare built by a total of 100 young people from the same locale.
The official opening was attended by Local Governance; Finance and Economic Development and; Health and Child Care Ministers. United Nations representatives and ambassadors of different countries also witnessed the event.
“This Hopley project, we are witnessing today is a testimony of how joint programming efforts can enhance economic and social development outcomes for young people,” Zimbabwe’s President said.
“I am advised that 100 young people from Hopley including young women acquired skills in bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, electrical and road works under the supervision of City of Harare Department of Works. This is commendable collaboration which must be replicated in all municipal councils countrywide.”
The President also said the Government is ready to jump in and help support initiatives that help equip the youths.
“It is applauded that these skills were utilised to build the clinic and youth center,” the country’s leader said.
“Beyond this initiative, the young people have gained skills which can help their empowerment and self sustenance.”
“Interventions such as these, even in communities with challenges, community members have the capacity to be agents of change and lead their own transformation,” Mnangagwa added.
The facilities, are expected to provide all services including youth friendly health services, sexual reproductive health and rights information.
A western diplomat, Charge d`affaires, Embassy of Sweden, Martin Jornrud said, “We are impressed and inspired by the young people, and especially young women, from the areas who have been able to develop their personal skills and improve their competitiveness for future employment as a result from this project,”
United Nations, Resident Coordinator, Mr Bishow Parajuli said, “Zimbabwe has made great strides in meeting its ICPD commitments, including, improved access to contraceptives, reduction of maternal and infant mortality, improved access to education and health amongst other things. The launch of this clinic and youth centre is a good example of progress being made by Zimbabwe.”