TRM Graduates 38 Youths, Turns Struggles Into Second Chances

By JWB Correspondent

Teen Rescue Mission (TRM) celebrated a major milestone yesterday as 38 youths graduated from life skills programmes at the Teen Rescue Mission Youth Centre.

The graduates completed training in Baking, Catering, Dressmaking, Hairdressing and Welding, with many of them being young single mothers and young men seeking a fresh start in life.Speaking at the ceremony, TRM Director Dr. Abraham Matuka congratulated the graduates and challenged them to turn their newly acquired skills into opportunities.

“Now it is your responsibility to go out and use the skills you have acquired to build your lives and contribute positively to society,” Dr. Matuka said.

He urged the graduates to embrace hard work and productivity, citing President ED Mnangagwa’s philosophy, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.” He said skills development can help young people stay away from idleness, drug and substance abuse, early marriages and crime.

Dr. Matuka also thanked the Chinese Embassy and Ambassador H.E. Zhou Ding for supporting TRM with equipment that has strengthened its vocational training programmes.

Guest of Honour Dr. Aderino Nyabanga praised TRM for giving vulnerable youths skills, purpose and hope.

“You are saving lives, and today we are witnessing the results,” Dr. Nyabanga said, urging the graduates to become ambassadors against drug abuse and crime.

The ceremony was marked by emotional testimonies.Nomatter Mherera, who graduated in Baking, revealed that she joined TRM while battling drug addiction. She said the programme helped her regain sobriety and rebuild relationships with her children and mother.

“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,” she said.

Another graduate, John Munemo, said TRM restored his sense of purpose after financial challenges forced him to leave school. He thanked Dr. Matuka for mentoring and encouraging young people, describing him as a father figure to many.

For Ms. Manyaya, a single mother of three, her daughter’s graduation brought relief and renewed hope for her family. She said the skills acquired through TRM would help her daughter become self-reliant and support her younger siblings.

With 38 certificates handed out, the graduation became more than a celebration of academic achievement. It was a powerful demonstration of how skills, mentorship and opportunity can turn vulnerability into purpose and despair into hope.

For TRM, the journey continues empowering young people to become productive, independent and responsible citizens.

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