KARIBA – Higher and Tertiary Education minister Federick Shava was guest of honour as Solusi University graduated 45 students from its Faculty of Theology and Chaplaincy short courses at a ceremony held at Lakeview Adventist Primary School on Friday.
Thirteen graduates received certificates in Pastoral Ministry and Community Chaplaincy Level 1, while 32 others were awarded certificates in Professional Ethics, Leadership and Administration Level 1.
Speaking under the theme "Empowering Communities through Education, Leadership, and Service," Shava commended Solusi University for extending university-level training beyond its campus into communities such as Kariba, saying the model demonstrated how higher education institutions could drive national development by making learning accessible and relevant.
The graduation formed part of the North Zimbabwe Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Civic Camp Initiative, which the minister said is running across 54 districts and brings together the church, higher learning institutions, government departments, the private sector and local communities.
Shava singled out pastors among the graduates for praise, saying their enrolment proved that true leaders never stop learning and urged church leaders nationwide to embrace continuous education to remain effective in addressing society's changing needs.
Beyond academic instruction in leadership, governance and administration, the minister noted that participants also received hands-on training in livelihood skills, including soap making, dishwashing liquid production and petroleum jelly manufacturing. Livestock production, animal nutrition and sustainable farming training was delivered in partnership with Profeeds Zimbabwe.
Shava said such practical skills aligned with government's Education 5.0 policy and its drive toward an innovation-led, industrialised economy, adding that graduates were being equipped not merely to seek jobs but to create employment and strengthen household incomes.
He called for stronger collaboration between universities, churches, government and the private sector to replicate the Kariba initiative in other districts, so that quality education reaches citizens regardless of location.
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The minister paid tribute to Pastor Ketani and the Kariba District team for hosting the programme, along with lecturers, sponsors and partners who supported the Winter School.
Also acknowledged were the North Zimbabwe Conference president, Trustmore Parangeta, and the coordinator of short term courses, Dzvairo, who attended the ceremony alongside church and traditional leaders.
