A NATIONAL youth empowerment seminar held in the Midlands last week turned into a nightmare for the participants who complained of abuse.
The seminar was held in Gweru from June 12 to 14.
Organisers of the event claimed that the seminar was funded by government through the Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services ministry.
Disgruntled youths who attended the seminar said they suspected that the money meant for their welfare was diverted by event organisers.
Youths from Bulawayo said they felt robbed by their contact person Caroline Lunga.
A number of participants said they were forced to sleep in wooden cabins on empty stomachs, exposing them to the cold weather.
“Lunga was mobilising the youths to attend the seminar in Gweru and she promised that we would be provided transport, accommodation and food. But upon reaching Gweru for the event, there was no accommodation as we ended up sleeping in wooden cabins,’’ said one youth.
Another participant said she was promised work opportunities and that government officials would be part of the event.
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“We were told to carry our academic certificates and when we reached the workshop venue, we discovered that there were no proper accommodation facilities,” she said.
“When we confronted her about the issue she apologised, mentioning that she feared that if she had told us the truth, we would not attend.”
The disgruntled participants said eyebrows were raised when Lunga instructed them to register as participants from Hwange and Bulawayo using two different names.
“We thought by doing so, we would be given extra-allowances,” another participant said.
“At the end of the event, she sent US$42 via EcoCash for transport which was insufficient to cater for the whole team of nine from Bulawayo.
“This made us use our own money to top up transport. She just disappeared after the event and she has not yet made a follow up to check on us and how we travelled back to our homes.”
Lunga declined to comment on the matter.
"It is not in my jurisdiction to make a comment," Lunga told Southern Eye when contacted for comment.
ICT minister Tatenda Mavetera could not be reached for comment.
A flyer for the event promised participants career guidance and mentorship, personal and spiritual growth, business and entrepreneurship tips, networking and skill-building as well as recreational activities.
