The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Reporter
ONE of Bulawayo’s prominent educationists and businessman Mr Clement Kunzekweguta has urged rural communities to utilise locally available human capital to economically develop their areas.
Speaking at Sikhethimpilo Centre’s 20th celebrations at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South yesterday Mr Kunzekweguta said communities should harness the skills possessed by its youths to turnaround their economic fortunes.
Sikhethimpilo is a faith and community-based organisation under the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, which was founded by Sister Lubirga with the help of community and home-based care givers in 1998.
“The skills which these children are acquiring from the institution should benefit them and the entire district. There is no need to hire skills from Bulawayo when you have the personnel at your disposal. These children have been taught practical courses and as such upon completion they shouldn’t struggle to get employment within their locality,” he said.
Sikhethimpilo is home to orphans and vulnerable children in the district.
It also offers practical courses in carpentry, building, fashion and fabrics, electrical wiring, dress making, hairdressing, catering and most recently to school drop-outs and school leavers aged between 16 and 24. Mr Kunzekweguta also implored youths to embrace entrepreneurship skills to enable them to improve their livelihoods.
“I hereby urge all the children that have been imparted with skills from this institution to use these skills to better their lives and refrain from the donor dependency syndrome, which has severely affected most communities in the country. You should not be cry babies but seek ways to improve your lives using the skills that you have acquired,” he said.
The organisation has assisted more than 300 orphans and vulnerable children with educational services. It is also undertaking a goat project funded by Egmont Trust. The goat project is meant to assist orphans and vulnerable children in various villages through educational support, health and other needs.
