mbulelo smpofu
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
DADANI Vocational Training Centre (DHVTC) continues to positively impact communities in Hwange District through its life-changing skills, which have seen youths venturing into entrepreneurship projects.
DHVTC principal, Miss Nkazimulo Martha Phiri, said this during the centre’s annual exit dinner held last Saturday to celebrate students and staff under the theme “Innovate, Elevate, Celebrate”.
The institution has been instrumental in training youths in response to demand driven by emerging development projects in mining and tourism.
“As we celebrate the achievements of our students, we also take pride in the impact that our institution has had in Hwange, a community driven by mining and tourism,” she said.
“Our Vocational Training Centre has been at the forefront of providing skills training and education, empowering our students to contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
“Our skills training programmes equip individuals with the practical knowledge, skills, and competencies required to excel in their chosen careers.
“Through our training, our students gain hands-on experience, industry-specific skills, soft skills development, entrepreneurial skills, adaptability and flexibility, and confidence and self-esteem.”
She said due to the tailor-specific programmes offered by the college upon completion of their studies, which range from business management and entrepreneurship, tourism and hospitality, and mechanics to machinery operation, among others, most of their students are often absorbed into the mining, tourism and hospitality industry while others have formed their own businesses.
This resonates with the Second Republic’s philosophy, “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo/Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”.
Vocational training equips individuals with practical skills, enhancing their employability and addressing the challenges faced by youths, especially concerning self-sustenance.
“Our innovative programmes emphasise entrepreneurship and self-employment, empowering graduates to become self-sufficient and significantly contribute to the local economy,” said Miss Phiri.
The vocational training centre was founded by Mr Christopher Tennyson Ndlovu, the college’s director in Victoria Falls, before spreading to Hwange in response to growing demand for vocational skills training.
The district now has two vocational training institutions, namely Dadani VTC and Don Bosco, which also recently expanded its curriculum portfolio by introducing a secondary school.
Miss Phiri said the college works in collaboration with other partners to ensure its mission of bridging the gap in skills development in the region and to align training with market demands.
The collaborations have seen the forging of partnerships with local companies that have also provided apprenticeships and mentorship programmes for some of its students.
“Dadani VTC plays a pivotal role in socio-economic development. As we look to the future, we identify a few gaps that we believe some of our stakeholders can assist us with,” she said.
“One of the major challenges we face is the need for more space to accommodate our growing student population. We also require additional equipment and resources to enhance our training programmes,” said Miss Phiri.
“We believe that with the support of our stakeholders, we can continue to provide high-quality training and education to our students, empowering them to succeed in their chosen careers.”
The most favoured and sought-after course, according to the centre, is “hospitality and tourism”, while there’s also a growing interest in mining and engineering.
The college has produced successful entrepreneurs, including Caroline Mudanda, a graduate with a National Certificate in Professional Cookery who has gone on to establish a thriving catering business. Another former student, Sinikiwe Ndlovu, who completed a National Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Management, now contributes to the college as a tutor.
The event was graced by representatives from local companies, Government officials, students and tutors, among others.
