The Role of vocational training as a strategy in mitigating drug and substance abuse among youths in Shamva, Zimbabwe: a study of Shamva vocational training centre

Abstract

This study explores the role of vocational training as a strategy in mitigating drug and substance abuse among youths in Shamva, Zimbabwe: a study of Shamva Vocational Training Centre. The study aimed to explore the role of vocational training as a strategy in mitigating drug and substance abuse among youths in Shamva with specific focus on Shamva Vocational Training Centre. Anchored in an interpretive paradigm and guided by a qualitative approach, the research used a case study design. Data was collected through two focus group discussions each session having four youths and three key informant interviews, this allowed the study gain in-depth insights, opinions, motivations and ideas on the study topic. A purposive sample of 11 participants, including 8 youth trainees at Shamva vocational training and 3 key informants which includes a community leader, one youth officer from Ministry of youth empowerment, development and vocational training and one Shamva vocational training center instructor. Findings revealed that drug and substance abuse among youths in Shamva is driven by a complex interplay of unemployment and economic hardship, poverty, peer pressure, family dysfunction, trauma and substance availability. Despite these structural vulnerabilities participants demonstrated that vocational training reduces substance use through several interconnected mechanisms including provision of structured time and purpose, enhancement of self-efficacy through mastery experiences, creation of alternative social networks and generation of economic hope. However, the study also found that multiple barriers significantly constrain youth participation, including financial constraints, lack of awareness, transportation challenges, cultural stigma associated with vocational training, care giving responsibilities disproportionately affecting female youth and programme quality limitations. The study concluded that vocational training holds significant potential to mitigate drug and substance abuse among youth in Shamva when structural barriers are comprehensively addressed and genuine employment linkages are established. The Vocational Training and Youth Substance Abuse Mitigation model was proposed as an evidence-informed practice framework integrating structural enablers, programme components, mechanisms of change and measurable outcomes. Recommendations were made to government bodies to increase investment in subsides and infrastructure, the Ministry of youth empowerment development and vocational training to enhance aftercare and employer partnerships, non-governmental organizations to provide complementary financial and psychosocial support. Social workers to adopt economically-aware practice that addresses the multiple determinants of youth substance abuse.