Zimbabwe Pensioners Welfare Trust Empowers Kwekwe Pensioners through animal husbandry training
By Kudzai Jakachira
The Zimbabwe Pensioners Welfare Trust (ZPWT), a lobby group which advocates
for the empowerment of pensioners, in conjunction with the Ministry of
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development,
successfully trained 37 pensioners in animal husbandry skills at a
three-day training event held at Runyararo Secondary school in Kwekwe.
The pensioners received training in various animal husbandry skills like poultry production, fish farming, pen fattening and animal health. The pensioners successfully completed the training and were awarded certificates at a colorful ceremony officiated by the Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moy held at St J Dave’s school in Torwood, Redclif.
Representing the Trust, ZPWT deputy director Operations and Marketing Gift Utete (pictured) said the programme had a high attendance with notable
figures also participating, marking an achievement in the Trust’s bid to improve the welfare of pensioners.
“The traing programme was well-attended though not to organisers’ expectations,
with notable guests including Headman Ndabeni, ZANU PF party district
leadership, trainers from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Women
Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, as well
as local pensioners,” said Mr. Utete.
He said the strong passion the graduates had during the training programme was a clear sign of hunger for community development adding that through such dedication by pensioners, the community will be empowered through agricultural entrepreneurship.
“The graduates demonstrated a strong commitment to personal development through their voluntary participation in the Trust’s
program. This event showcased the potential for community empowerment
through agricultural projects and entrepreneurship, also highlighting
the importance of initiatives that promote self-sustainability,” said
Mr Utete.
Guest of honour at the event Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moyo
emphasized the importance of applying the skills acquired during the training to promoting self-sufficiency.
“I encourage all graduates to utilize these skills you have aquired during this learning exercise to promote self-sufficiency and apply the skills to drive personal
and community development through agricultural entrepreneurship
initiatives,” said Minister Moyo.
He also encouraged pensioners from the private sector to enroll in the Zimbabwe Pensioners Welfare Trust so they get empowered
through various initiatives on offer to improve their welfare and be self-reliant.
“Additionally, I call upon all pensioners from the private sector to enroll in these projects because most face challenges in
accessing pensions after the closure of the companies one used to work for,” said Minister Moyo.
TOP PIC: Minister July Moyo with the graduates.
