WHEN one is living and working on the streets, the risks of child sexual exploitation, bodily harm, drug abuse, or even death are significantly higher.

Furthermore, children living on the streets lack access to everyday essential services such as health care and education.

Spurred by her motherly instinct, First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa is working flat out to address the plight of street children.

Recently, she launched a massive skills development project in Mbare, Harare, for children living on the streets and drug addicts, as she continues with her empowerment drive and battle against drug abuse.

The local netball complex became the skills development center for Harare Metropolitan province, where children from the streets and around the community are receiving training in various projects, including agriculture, carpentry, dressmaking, culinary arts, and sporting activities.

The support program is affording the children an opportunity to stay off the streets, off drugs, and to embark on a new path as they are also receiving medical services.

On the day of the launch, Amai Mnangagwa planted various types of vegetables and fruit trees at the center under the project, which will be implemented in all the country’s 10 provinces.

This is not the first time the First Lady has launched a project directly for children living on the streets and drug addicts.

A few years ago, she rescued some street children whom she committed to Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chiredzi, Masvingo Province, where they are pursuing academic studies while also acquiring vocational training skills.

Beneficiaries of the program have since quit drugs and become masters of their own destiny through empowerment projects like piggery, goat rearing, horticulture, carpentry, among other disciplines offered at the children’s home.

The First Lady’s efforts to empower street children and combat drug abuse are commendable, and her initiatives are making a positive impact on vulnerable lives in Zimbabwe.