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By Tatenda Kunaka
Private-public-partnerships in the fight against drug abuse are the panacea for youths to do something positive within their communities, Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry has said.
Coventry said this yesterday as she officially opened Glories Melodies centre in Zengeza 3, Chitungwiza, a sports and arts centre established after a partnership between Chitungwiza Municipality and a private firm, Glorious Melodies Trust.
The centre which is located at the former Zengeza 3 district offices was lauded as noble cause which will help identify and nurture talent among youths from disadvantaged families.
She said the centre was necessary to curb the drug and alcohol abuse menace rocking most high density suburbs and was a viable platform for young people to showcase their skills.
“I am excited to be here, thank you Glorious Melodies and Chitungwiza municipality for this partnership, I hope to see more of this partnerships around the country.
“As you all know, we are facing a rise in substance abuse, a situation which was amplified by Covid-19. This platform will help young people to meet and do something positive.”
“As a ministry, we will continue to support any developmental projects. Our goal this year is infrastructure development. I hope the director will find something to support you from our budget,” she said.
Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko said it was an easy decision to make after receiving the proposal.
“As council we took the proposal with open hands. Issues of drugs are affecting our youths and this initiative will help to reduce the problem.”
Glorious Melodies Trust manager Bonny Kanyenze said the centre will help in the promotion of sports and arts in the country.
“We will be working with churches, community leaders and educational institutions to identify talent. This will help sports and arts to grow in the country through provision of a wider base. Thank you government for affording us such an enabling environment, we will definitely prosper with your support,” he said.
Gospel icon Pastor Charles Charamba said,” Chitungwiza is loaded with talent but lacks places where youths can showcase their talent which is a huge stumbling block. Thank you government, Glorious Melodies and Municipality for this platform.”
The launch was also attended by corporates, business persons and people from different social and political backgrounds.
Baba Mechanic Manyeruke, Amai Olivia Charamba, Doctor Biggie Samwanza and former Dynamos captain Thomas Magorimbo also attended.
Some of the country’s popular sports and arts personalities hail from the dormitory town including Norman Mapedza, Shingi Kawondera, former gems captain Perpetual Siyachitema, Alick Macheso, Dominic Benhura and the late actress Anne Nhira. Nhau/Indaba
