Barclays Bank Zimbabwe has managed to reach out to more than 30 000 young farmers in a partnership programme with the Zimbabwe Farmers Union which commenced in 2015 following an initial investment of about $0,5 million.
The programme “Fit for Life” aims to contribute to financial inclusion and food security and it has managed to up-skill, educate and positively impact young farmers from across the country.
At a launch event held recently for the third phase of the “Fit for Life” programme, Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe managing director Sam Matsekete handed over an additional $70,000 to the ZFU in Murehwa.
The additional funding that Barclays is providing seeks to assist an additional 4,000 young farmers around the country to develop financial capability and make informed and effective decisions with all their financial resources, improve understanding and application of farming business concepts.
Speaking at the official launch, Barclays Zimbabwe managing director Sam Matsekete said when the bank initially partnered with ZFU in 2015, it was clear that it wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Together with the Zimbabwe Farmers Union our aim with the “Fit for life programme” has been to assist young farmers to overcome some of the challenges they are facing, challenges that might have inhibited them from accessing basic financial and business skills for sustainable growth in their projects”.
Matsekete said the bank has been in Zimbabwe for over 106 years and has contributed immensely to the agriculture industry.
“We seek to play our part to ensure that tomorrow is better than today and this includes the future of the communities that we operate in. We remain a part of the community and we are passionate about leaving things better than we found them” said Matsekete.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Principal Director Jacob Gonese said that he was particularly impressed with the partnership because it gave birth to projects which have improved the capacity of youths in agriculture.
“The project continues to change the lives of many youths who did not manage to continue with their formal education, and also requires persistence and determination from the beneficiaries for it to be successful,” said Gonese.
Barclays Bank said it will continue to engage in sustainable community projects that will have a long term impact on the youth and the wider community.
