Indigent learners in the Mutale area who would like to further their studies in engineering, law, information technology, communication and medicine can now realize their dreams through the helping hand of the Madzivhanani, Tshidingololwe & Tshithuthuni (MTT) Youth Development Focus.

This came to light during MTT’s successful five-year strategic planning meeting, held at Mutale Municipality Council Chambers at the weekend.

Formed earlier last year by youths of the three villages (Madzivhanani, Tshidongololwe and Tshithuthuni), MTT is aimed at assisting indigent learners in achieving their educational dreams despite their poor financial backgrounds.

MTT’s coordinator, Thiathu Ravhura, explained why there was a need to establish the initiative: “We felt there was a need to start a fund that will assist indigent learners to further their studies. Mutale Municipality is predominantly rural and most of the parents are unemployed. Therefore, they cannot afford to take their children to tertiary institutions. We aim to increase the number of graduates in Mutale drastically because our community is feeling the pain of poverty, unemployment and illiteracy.”

Although MTT is still struggling financially, the youths at the strategic planning meeting took a resolution that there is an urgent need to open a community library before the end of January 2007 and to introduce computer training skills to the youth. They also agreed to hold a bursary award ceremony for the needy students in January 2007.

Ravhura added: “The youths also agreed to have four workshops on HIV/Aids and two workshops on career guidance during the 2006/7 financial year. They also resolved that they need to be equipped with leadership, problem-solving and entrepreneurship skills. There are plans to establish a community radio station and a monthly community newsletter.”

Ravhura urged all youths of Mutale to join MTT for their own benefit. “This institution is meant to develop young members of society and they are entitled to be members free of charge. Although joining is voluntary and no registration fee needed, we will be happy to have more youths joining us in this venture to fight against illiteracy.”

Ravhura said MTT has conducted several fundraising activities in the past to beef up their financial standing. “Last year, we awarded bursaries to five indigent learners, two of whom are studying at tertiary institutions, whereas three are high school learners. We thank Dr Nkhelebeni Phaswana of Kalahari Booksellers for his unending support towards MTT’s development.”

Ravhura openly admitted that MTT has serious financial problems and needs assistance. Members of the community who would like to know more about the MTT or make financial contributions can contact Ravhura at 082 417 4427.