They travelled many kilometers from their home in Zimbabwe down south to South Africa in search of a better life. On their arrival in this part of the world, life was no different from back in their own country. There were no promised jobs, people were still sleeping with empty stomachs and there was no shelter. They began a life of despair, with no hope for the future; some even contemplated going back to their home country, but decided otherwise. Out of the blue, Lady Luck came smiling on them and a shelter in the border town of Musina accommodated them. They were given daily rations and received weekly food parcels. Life was becoming better for them. Their dream of a better life could soon become a reality. Last week they started practical classes in different careerssuch as mechanics, plumbers, information technology, and bricklaying, amongst others. The 18 of them, all from Zimbabwe, were warmly welcomed during a welcoming party held at Mvelaphanda Skills Development Centre at Tshisahulu on Friday last week. The programme director at the Centre for Positive Care in Sibasa, Ms Betty Tshivhase, said her organization had developed a youth programme, which focused on empowering them with skills that could assist them later in life. “These youths did not leave their country willingly, but were forced by circumstances beyond their control. Most of them are of a school-going age and were supposed to be at school. We have an obligation to prepare them for the future, “she said. She said the different skills would stand them in good stead to compete with others in the job market and could also start their own jobs and for others. According to her, the situation can return to normal back home and they might decide to go back. By then they might be grown up men who have to fend for themselves and the newly devolped skills woill come in handy. The director of Mvelaphanda Skills Development, Ms Esther Mushaathama, said it was not the first time she had assisted foreigners. “Last year we trained more than 20 from Zimbabwe and we won’t stop assisting them. This is our humble contribution towards the economic development of the country. We do not want to see these childre grow up and graduate into the world of crime. We would like to see them as independent individuals who can work for themselves and their families,” she said. She is inviting members of the community who are not doing anything to come as they have special programmes that can help them.