Empowering Youth Through Skills Development for Sustainable Livelihoods in Gokwe: Case Study of Nyamuroro Vocational Training Centre (VTC).

Abstract

In this empirical qualitative case study, we discussed the contribution of skills development to sustainable livelihoods among the youth in rural Zimbabwe, focusing on Nyamuroro Vocational Training Centre [VTC] in Gokwe. In a region grappling with high unemployment, poverty, and limited formal educational access, vocational training has emerged as a strategic response to youth marginalization and economic vulnerability. The study is couched in Armartya Sen’s Capability Approach and supported by Martha Nussbaum Human Development framework. It explores how practical skills training in areas such as agriculture, carpentry, welding, garment construction, and mechanics enhances youth agency and expands their livelihood options. The research is guided by the qualitative methodology, where semi-structured interviews and focused group discussions were used to solicit data from 15 participants including trainees, instructors, graduates and community leaders. The empirical paper responded to the research questions: How do Nyamuroro VTC programmes enhance skills for Sustainable livelihoods in Gokwe and also what impact do Nyamuroro VTC programmes have on graduates and communities. The major findings reveals that vocational training enhances youth capabilities and self -reliance, lack of capital and tools hinders business starts-ups. In light of the findings, the study underscores that, while vocational training at Nyamuroro Vocational Centre provides essential skills for sustainable livelihoods, its full potential is constrained by limited access to capital, inadequate infrastructure and weak institutional support. Conclusively, vocational education in rural Zimbabwe functions not only as skills transmission instead as a capability-expanding intervention mediated by socio-economic conversion factors.