14 Years of Restoration: Green Light International Trust Honors New Graduates
By Azriel Chimeno
Last Saturday, Green Light International Trust paused to celebrate both a milestone and a movement. At Robert Mugabe Mall in Harare, GLIT held its _14th Anniversary Graduation Ceremony_ under the theme _From Dust To Life_.
The mall, usually filled with shoppers and music, became a place of testimony. More than 40 graduates walked across the stage in bright yellow stoles to receive certificates for completing the _6 Months Nurse Aid Training Service_ in _Community Rehabilitation and Basic Home Nursing Care Giver_.
The event marked 14 years since GLIT began its work of finding potential in overlooked spaces and turning it into purpose. For the graduates, it was the end of six months of study and practical service. For GLIT, it was proof that its model of restoration, education, and elevation continues to work.
Over the last 14 years, GLIT has deliberately invested in people and places that are often ignored. The approach is simple: identify potential, provide training, and support graduates to serve their communities. Saturday’s graduation brought that philosophy full circle.
The 40+ graduates in yellow stoles represented months of early mornings, classroom sessions, field attachments, and community work. Each stole carried meaning: discipline, resilience, and a commitment to care. Their presence on stage showed what happens when opportunity meets dedication. Their success is GLIT’s success, and their stories are the clearest evidence that restoration is possible.
The ceremony drew support from community and civic leaders who commended GLIT’s contribution to health and youth development.
In attendance was Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume represented by Councillor Tomasi, and Chief Zvimba. Both leaders applauded the organisation for its commitment to training and equipping young people, particularly in critical health areas.
“We appreciate GLIT for stepping in to train and equip our youths on health issues. This kind of work strengthens our communities and reduces the burden on our health system,” said the representative of the Mayor’s office. Chief Zvimba also lauded the Trust for focusing on practical skills that directly serve vulnerable groups.
The program is designed to equip participants with practical skills in _Community Rehabilitation and Basic Home Nursing Care Giver_. These are competencies that directly address gaps in community health support, especially for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and individuals recovering at home who need consistent, dignified care.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, GLIT Director and Founder Tawanda Makwiramiti highlighted the value of this practical exposure. “We are very proud of these graduates. During their attachment at our rehabilitation centre, they got much needed first hand experience working with patients with disabilities. That exposure is what prepares them to serve with confidence in the community,” Makwiramiti said.
He congratulated the graduates and pledged GLIT’s continued support as they begin their new endeavor. “Today is not the end. It is the beginning. As GLIT, we will continue to walk with you, support you, and create opportunities for you to use the skills you have gained to transform lives,” he added.
Since its founding, GLIT has focused on turning overlooked potential into community assets. Each graduating class adds to a growing network of trained caregivers working across Harare and surrounding areas. That network is now supporting families, easing pressure on health facilities, and creating employment pathways for young people.
The graduates honored last Saturday join that network. They are now part of a movement that believes care work is skilled work, and that communities are stronger when vulnerable people are supported well. In a time when demand for home-based and community-based care continues to rise, their training comes at a critical moment.
