AFM in Zimbabwe Opens Rufaro Vocational Training College, Marking New Era in Skills Development

By Nelson Geje 

The Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe (AFM in Zimbabwe) has taken a bold step in advancing its education mandate with the successful opening of Rufaro Vocational Training College in September 2025.

In an interview with AFMIZ EduNews, the Acting Education Director, Dr Clever Gomba, confirmed that the college is now fully operational, with lecture rooms and related facilities in place. While accommodation is currently available on a limited scale, he noted that plans are underway to expand and improve boarding facilities to meet growing demand.

Dr Gomba described Rufaro Vocational Training College as a strategic milestone for the AFM in Zimbabwe National Education Department. The institution provides skills training opportunities for both young people and adults seeking practical competencies in various trades.

“This college fulfils our strategic goals by offering a learning facility for skills development while also creating employment for lecturers and supporting staff,” Dr. Gomba said.

Situated in Gutu District of Masvingo Province, the college is positioned to serve not only the local community but also the province and the nation at large. It is envisioned as a hub of skills acquisition and development, contributing meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation.

Beyond technical training, Rufaro Vocational Training College has been established as a centre for institutional evangelism, character formation and spiritual growth. The AFM in Zimbabwe Chaplain stationed at the college plays a key role in mentoring students spiritually, offering counselling and rehabilitation services.

According to Dr Gomba, the institution seeks to instil the values of Ubuntu and Christianity in its learners.

“We are offering a holistic view of education. It is not only about skills. We are shaping the totality of the life of the student; their skills, attitudes, character, heart and mind,” he explained.

The opening of the college also aligns with the Government of Zimbabwe’s thrust towards promoting vocational skills development among the youth and general populace. By establishing Rufaro Vocational Training College, AFM in Zimbabwe is complementing national development initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship.

Dr Gomba emphasized that graduates will be equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical competence.

“The balance between craft literacy and craft competence enables our graduates to face the existential realities in their communities,” he said.

As the first vocational college under the AFM in Zimbabwe Education Department, Rufaro represents the beginning of a broader institutional expansion plan. The church intends to establish similar vocational initiatives in regions such as Matabeleland, Midlands, Manicaland and Mashonaland.

In the long term, the Education Department envisions building more primary and secondary schools, additional vocational colleges, and eventually a university. Dr Gomba described Rufaro as “a central cog in the wheel” of this ambitious educational roadmap.

On accreditation, Dr Gomba revealed that the college is currently working with Mvuma Vocational College as a satellite institution to ensure quality control, standardisation and synchronisation of programmes. Efforts are also underway to register Rufaro Vocational Training College with relevant government ministries and departments.

“All our lecturers are competent and well qualified in their areas of specialty,” he said, adding that systems are being developed to ensure the college meets both Zimbabwean and international standards.

In terms of health and safety, the institution has adequate water and ablution facilities for students and staff. The administration is committed to establishing modern learning infrastructure to ensure the college remains competitive and credible.

Rufaro Vocational Training College is currently offering certificate-level programmes in:

Building and Construction, Plumbing, Motor Mechanics, Cosmetology, Domestic Solar, Installation, Baking and Confectionery, Welding and Fabrication, Garment, Construction and Catering Services

The Education Department has put in place quality assurance mechanisms, including continuous curriculum evaluation, engagement with established vocational colleges, feedback from learners and stakeholders, and the employment of experienced personnel.

The establishment of the college was not without hurdles. Dr Gomba cited limited financial resources as a major challenge. Operating within a shoe-string budget required careful planning and discipline. Awareness and information dissemination were initially slow, and marketing a new institution without established references proved difficult.

“Through consistency and creativity, our marketing efforts eventually reached a wider audience,” he said.

Dr Gomba concluded with a message to parents, students and the wider community: “Rufaro Vocational Training College represents the future of vocational training. It focuses on holistic formation; producing competent, God-fearing, responsible and skilled graduates characterised by the values of Ubuntu and Christianity.”

With its blend of skills development, spiritual mentorship and character formation, Rufaro Vocational Training College stands as a pioneering institution under AFM in Zimbabwe’s Education Department, a development poised to empower youth, stimulate entrepreneurship and contribute to national development.