Youth Correspondent
Chitungwiza- It was a joyous occasion as 38 youths from Teen Rescue Mission (TRM) graduated in various life skills programmes at the Teen Rescue Mission Youth Centre in Chitungwiza on Thursday.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the hard work and determination of young people who successfully completed training in Baking, Catering, Dressmaking, Hairdressing, and Welding.
Many shared powerful testimonies of overcoming drug and substance abuse, rebuilding their lives, and finding hope through the life skills training offered by Teen Rescue Mission.
The graduation ceremony is part of the organisation’s commitment to empowering vulnerable young people with practical skills, restoring hope, and preparing them for productive and independent futures.
Speaking at the event, Teen Rescue Mission Director, Dr. Abraham Matuka, hailed the graduates for choosing a path that will help build their future.
“I am so happy to see you here today holding certificates that show you have made it.
As Teen Rescue Mission, we are proud to celebrate this milestone with you.
“Now it is your responsibility to go out and use the skills you have acquired to build your lives and contribute positively to society.
“Let us go out and be productive citizens. As our President Mnangagwa says, ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo,’ let us build our nation through our hard work and dedication.
“The skills you have gained will help keep you away from idleness, drug and substance abuse, early marriages, and crime, while empowering you to become self-reliant and productive,” he said.
Dr Matuka also expressed his appreciation to the Chinese Embassy for its support.
“I would like to thank the Chinese Embassy for assisting us with equipment that has enabled our training programmes to run smoothly.
“I want to thank Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding for always standing to support our youth organisation.
“We are seeing the results of that support as our youths proudly receive their certificates of completion.
“We are confident that they will become valuable contributors to our nation.”
Guest of honour, Dr Aderino Nyabanga, also commended Teen Rescue Mission for its commitment to transforming the lives of young people.
“I stand here to appreciate the remarkable work being done by Teen Rescue Mission. You are saving lives, and today we are witnessing the results.
These young people could have been out there without direction or hope, but because of Teen Rescue Mission, they now have skills, purpose, and a vision for their future.”
Dr Nyabanga further encouraged them to use their new skills to make a positive impact in their communities.
“Go out and make a meaningful contribution to the nation.
Always remember your parents as you celebrate your success, and never stop praying to God.
We are proud of you and believe that you will become ambassadors who speak against drug and substance abuse, reject crime, and inspire other young people to make positive life choices.”
Speaking at the same event, Ms Manyaya, a single mother, expressed her gratitude to Teen Rescue Mission after seeing her daughter graduate from a life skills course.
“I am a single mother of three children, and my daughter graduating today is my firstborn.
“Life has been very difficult for us, and seeing my daughter idle at home gave me many sleepless nights.
“I approached Teen Rescue Mission, and they supported both my daughter and me throughout this journey.
“She is graduating, and I believe the skills she has gained from TRM will help her support herself, me, and her two younger brothers who are still in primary school.
“I would like to sincerely thank Teen Rescue Mission for bringing hope and relief to my family.”
Nomatter Mherera, who graduated in Baking, shared how Teen Rescue Mission transformed her life.
“I do not want to hide my past.
“I came to the TRM Youth Centre with my mother as a drug addict.
“I had abused many different drugs, and as a single mother of two children, my children were no longer safe around me.
“My mother, who is here today, can testify to the pain and heartache I caused her.
“When I first came to TRM, I thought I would continue living the same lifestyle while pretending to attend classes.
“But this place changed me completely. Today I am sober, I have restored my relationship with my children and my mother, and I am standing here as a transformed young woman.
“Today I am not known as a drug addict, I am known as a graduate.
“I thank Teen Rescue Mission for giving me a second chance at life.”
Celebrating the occasion, John Munemo also expressed his appreciation to Teen Rescue Mission.
“Growing up with dreams and then finding yourself on the streets with nothing to do is very painful. I lost hope because my parents could no longer afford to keep me in school.
“When I heard about Teen Rescue Mission, I came here and was welcomed with open arms. Attending classes kept me focused and gave me purpose.
“Today, I am proudly holding a certificate that I never imagined I would earn.
“I would also like to thank our Director, Dr. Abraham Matuka, for constantly encouraging and mentoring us. Dr. Matuka, you have been a father to many of us.
“Thank you for believing in us and for dedicating your life to changing the lives of young people. I pray that God continues to bless you with good health and many more years so that you can continue your wonderful work.”
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