The future looks bright for the 18 Zimbabwean nationals who received their hard-earned certificates at the weekend.

The youths, all under the care of Life Care Centre, which is housed at the Hope of All Nations Centre at Muledane, received their certificates after undergoing intensive training in different fields at Mushaathama Skills Development Centre.

Although they received their certificates at the Thohoyandou Town Hall on Saturday, a big function was held in their honour at the centre’s premises at Muledane on Sunday.

Founder and guardian of the children Pastor Tshabuse said it had been his church’s vision to empower the less advantaged through skills that would see them through life forever. He said giving the children food and shelter was not enough, as they would not remain there forever. “Some of them will soon be turning 18 and they have to go out and face the world on their own. It is better to train them in skills they can use to fend for themselves forever; let us make them self-dependent,” he said.

He appealed to departments and companies to make use of the students and give them a chance to use their newly acquired skills in the form of internships and learnerships. He also thanked Save the Children UK and Mushaathama Skills Development for their donations.

During the function, Mvelaphanda also honoured Pastor Tshabuse for the extraordinary care and interest he had shown in caring for the foreign children and disadvantaged local children.

Life Care Centre was founded in 2007 and they started their operations in 2008. The centre started out of the need to assist disadvantaged children and street children. The centre has more than 30 children at present, some of whom are undergoing rehabilitation from drugs and, upon completion of their programmers, they will be taught skills.

“We are doing all we can, but we are faced with serious challenges. We would like all businesses to assist us in looking after the children. Children are a responsibility of the community to raise and we are appealing on all to come aboard and assist us in any form,” Tshabuse said.

He said they were looking for a site and building to house them as they are presently housed in tents, which are not safe.

Those willing to help can contact Pastor Tshabuse at 073 168 9692.