Harare- Youths Minister Tinomudaishe Machakaire has launched the Ruwa Social Innovation Hub where 312 youths graduated from different vocational training centres, declaring skills development a critical “social vaccine” against the escalating drug and substance abuse crisis.

Hon. T. Machakaire (MP) made the declaration Friday during a combined graduation ceremony for Harare Province, where 228 young men and 84 women received qualifications in trades ranging from carpentry and motor mechanics to cosmetology and hotel catering.

In a speech delivered at the Ruwa Vocational Training Centre, Minister Machakaire framed the dual event—both a graduation and a hub launch—as a direct government response to national youth challenges.

“The widespread issue of drug and substance abuse among our youth threatens to undermine the potential of an entire generation,” Machakaire stated. “Skills training is not just an economic intervention; it is a social vaccine. It restores dignity, builds identity, and offers a pathway to purpose.”

The ceremony, held under the theme “Innovate, Digitalize, and Enterprise: Training and Skills Development Combating Drug and Substance Abuse,” highlighted the government’s strategy to link economic empowerment with social intervention.

The newly launched Ruwa Social Innovation Hub, a partnership between the Ministry, UNICEF, the European Union, and other partners, is designed to be a cornerstone of this strategy. The Hub will focus on nurturing “climate-conscious innovators and entrepreneurs,” providing training in green technologies, digital platforms, and sustainable business models.

Minister Machakaire outlined the government’s continued commitment to modernizing vocational training, including:

· Upgrading infrastructure and providing modern equipment.
· Establishing business incubation centres for young artisans.
· Mainstreaming drug prevention programmes into all youth initiatives.

The graduation cohort from Ruwa and Chitungwiza Vocational Training Centres completed courses under the “Training for Enterprise” curriculum, which integrates entrepreneurship and ICT into traditional trades.

“To our graduates: you are now qualified craftspeople—builders of homes, designers of garments, mechanics of machines,” the Minister said. “Hold your trade with pride. Reject the allure of drugs and destructive habits.”

The event was attended by the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, Senator C.Z. Tavengwa, UNICEF representatives, EU officials, and other development partners, signalling strong multi-stakeholder support for the national youth empowerment drive.