Meshia Mambo
The Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs funded tuition for underprivileged youths as 693 graduates completed vocational training under NDS2 on 20 August 2026.
The graduates were drawn from Chitungwiza, Epworth, Dzivarasekwa, Glenview, Kuwadzana and Hartcliffe.
Tuition for students from less privileged households was covered through the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with support from the OAK Foundation.
The initiative was carried out with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, and is guided by the National Youth Strategy under NDS2, which channels skills towards youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Ambassador Matthijs van Eeuwen officiated the ceremony, accompanied by his mother.
“Opportunity is never built alone. It takes partnerships, it takes community.”
Matthijs van Eeuwen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Zimbabwe
Van Eeuwen said the Netherlands was proud to support the Africa Life Skills Programme, which teaches graduates that there is life after HIV and equips them to survive independently.
He said drug and substance abuse among youths is being treated as an emergency, with Young Africa working to keep graduates from becoming involved.
December will mark six years of collaboration between the Netherlands and Young Africa under this initiative.
Country Director Susan Madodo said Young Africa intends to keep the partnership going.
“We want to continue such programmes.” Susan Madodo, Country Director, Young Africa Zimbabwe
Madodo said graduates will be given six months to find opportunities on their own, after which those still in need will be assisted with tools or linked to employment boot camps.
Van Eeuwen closed by thanking Young Africa and its partners, congratulating the Class of 2026.
“We are very proud of this partnership.” Â Matthijs van Eeuwen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Zimbabwe
