On-going efforts by the Zanzibar government to address unemployment among youths received a major boost, following the opening of the Zenj Centre of Excellence in Tourism (ZCET) aimed at raising talented youths in the industry.
In his message when opening ZCET, the Isles Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla commended the founders of the centre in Michamvi Village, Unguja South.
It is registered as a Non-Profit Organization providing support to young people in tourist areas- through Vocational Training.
The centre which started enrolment of students in July this year, offers training in the hospitality industry, front office, housekeeping, food and beverage.
It also covers tour guide, where after the nine months internship the young people will be capable of working in any tourists’ hotel in Zanzibar.
“This centre is in line with the Zanzibar government’s blue economy agenda and it is expected to be the heart of our economic growth. We appeal to the private sector including investors in tourism to support the initiative,” Mr Abdulla said.
He explained that the Zanzibar government hopes that ZCET will help produce employable and self-employed youths. This will also improve skills in the booming tourism industry,” Mr Abdulla said.
Mr Hemed informed the audience, including the 27 students of first intake, that the government is well aware of the potential of the tourism industry to contribute more significantly in the economy and also reduce unemployment.
The Second Vice-President urged stakeholders in the tourism industry to continue working with the government, so as to ensure the Blue Economy agenda, which includes tourism, becomes a reality.
Mr Abdulla also used the opportunity to emphasise to the investors on timely tax payment and avoid tax evasion.
“We need to collect revenue for our economic growth,” he said.
Earlier, the Co-founder of the ZCET Mr Yves Montel said the centre incorporated under the laws of Zanzibar, is a non-profit organisation providing support to local young Zanzibaris through employment and training.
The ZECT Chairperson Mr Taufiq Salim Turkey, a prominent business person and a legislator in the Union Parliament, expressed his hopes that the move to open the centre will help train and build the capacity of Zanzibaris to qualify for higher positions in top tourists’ hotels.
The colourful ceremony was also attended by Minister of Education and Vocational Training Ms Lela Mohammed Mussa, Unguja South Regional Commissioner (RC) Mr Rashid Hadid, and Unguja South District Commissioner Mr Rajab Mkasaba, other government officials, and several tourism stakeholders.
