Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
A multipurpose modern community empowerment centre has been officially commissioned in Chisuma area of Hwange District.
Batoka Centres of Hope comprises a women and youth empowerment centre, an education and technology hub and the Bulangazi House for women and girls.
The multi-purpose establishment constructed by the Jafuta Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, offers skills and survival techniques within the community.
“As a girl child, I had to do this. There is internet here and I came to this centre and I passed,” said one of the beneficiaries.
Another added, “I’m not a software programmer, I got this opportunity here.”
The concept meant to address socio-economic needs in the community has been lauded by government, with its drivers pledging to continue working with the authorities to empower communities.
“I was impressed by the quality and standards of products which you are producing and this is our mandate as a ministry to make sure that we do find market linkages for your produce,” said the Minister of Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa.
“We constructed this centre which came in as a centre for education programme. We have been offering technology-based scholarships after realising we are not all academically gifted,” said Jafuta Foundation Community Outreach Director, Mr Sipho Moyo.
Through the innovation hub, women and young people will access skills and development opportunities, information and knowledge on digital technologies.
The centre is already changing lives within the area through imparting critical survival skills.
