By Flata Kavinga
Kwekwe Polytechnic Applied Arts graduands have been challenged to use their practical skills to establish businesses and create employment rather than rely on the government for jobs.
Speaking as guest of honour at the institution’s 15th Applied Arts Graduation Ceremony, Theresa Bonyongwa who is the director of Simunye Gardens and wife to former Kwekwe executive mayor Stanford Bonyongwa urged the graduates to turn their acquired skills into viable projects, emphasising the importance of hard work, determination and humility in achieving success.
She said the graduands had made the right decision by pursuing practical training, which equipped them with skills to become either employers or employees.
“You are skilled. Go now and demonstrate your skills. It is possible as long as you go out there,” said Bonyongwa.
She encouraged the graduates to think beyond seeking employment and pursue their ambitions of establishing businesses in fields such as hospitality, construction and beauty therapy.
“Keep dreaming, dream big, keep dreaming, never stop dreaming. Now you have the skills, dream big. Dream of running an organisation, a hotel, a construction company or a beauty therapy shop. Whatever you have been trained in, go and do it now,” she said.
Bonyongwa urged the graduands not to be discouraged by their age or the challenges they might encounter when starting their projects, saying determination and a strong desire to succeed were essential.
She also cautioned them against remaining idle while waiting for formal employment, saying their practical skills provided an opportunity to earn a living and improve their livelihoods.
“It is no longer the time that we remain idle, thinking that it is the State that will bring a job. You have been given the tools to earn a living and get rich,” she said.
Bonyongwa further encouraged the graduates to consider taking up employment to gain experience before venturing into business, while developing a culture of saving to raise capital for their projects.
She said learning from established businesses could help them acquire practical experience, identify gaps in the market and improve existing services.
“Whenever you get money, learn to save and go and start something. Don’t go and do the ordinary thing. Go and do it better. No matter how small, do it well,” she said.
Bonyongwa acknowledged that establishing successful projects would not be easy but urged the graduates to remain focused and learn from others as they worked towards their goals.
She also called on them to remain humble and committed to their work, stressing that their certificates should be a starting point for putting their acquired skills into practice.
The graduation ceremony marked another milestone for Kwekwe Polytechnic’s Applied Arts graduates as they prepare to enter the world of work or pursue self-employment opportunities.
