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Mutsawashe Mashandure
Herald Correspondent
In a significant boost for vulnerable youths in Epworth in southeast Harare Metropolitan and Caledonia over the eastern border of the metropolitan province, 186 graduates from the urban resilience programme have acquired essential skills to navigate and secure freelance opportunities in the digital economy.
Funded by USAID through the World Food Programme and implemented by World Vision in collaboration with the Catholic University of Zimbabwe and the Harare Institute of Technology, the programme addresses the pressing need for digital skills in the region.
Addressing the graduation ceremony held at the Catholic University yesterday, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Deputy Minister Kudakwashe Mupamhanga reminded the graduates of their potential to drive change in their communities and contribute to the future of Zimbabwe’s digital economy.
“I would like to assure our graduates that you have acquired not just theoretical knowledge but practical tools that will allow you to actively participate in the digital economy,” he said.
He noted that the programme had been described as a transformative experience, providing participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools.
“This programme has played a crucial role in empowering the next generation of digital entrepreneurs and leaders.” Participants had secured freelance opportunities through the completion of the digital skills training.
“I want to take a moment to highlight some key successes of this programme. Through your hard work, some of you have already secured employment or freelance opportunities.
“We have witnessed incredible stories of those attending being recognised through social media platforms, landing contracts, and even launching their own businesses. You have proven that when given the right tools, the youth can turn challenges into opportunities, transforming both their lives and their communities,” said Deputy Minister Mupamhanga.
World Food Programme Zimbabwe head of diplomatic relations Ms Ifeoma Garba, said they hoped to break barriers to empower youth in vulnerable communities through digital skills and inclusion.
“Through mentorship, these young women and men developed self-confidence, learnt how to build professional networks, and gained insights into navigating the digital world with integrity covering essential topics like cybersecurity and digital etiquettee.
“These are not just technical skills but also tools of empowerment, opening doors to new futures. Along the way, they mastered critical tools like Adobe Photoshop, Canva, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
“Starting with the basics of computer literacy and quickly advancing to specialised skills in digital marketing, website development, and graphic design, these are not just technical skills but also tools of empowerment, opening doors to new futures,” she added.
One of the graduates, Mr Archward Mamhunze, said the initiative would help him become a freelance digital worker.
“Much appreciation goes to all the stakeholders who initiated this programme, as I am going to be my own employer. This initiative came at a time when I could not find anything to do, but now I can advertise people’s products by designing and making money out of it,” he said.
Ms Maryln Gwara said she established a digital brand campaign, which enabled her to sustain a living.
“We were taught graphic designs, how to market products on online platforms. Because of this initiative, it totally changed my mindset as I always think of how I design logos.
“Before I used to be a home defender and people always depict Epworth residents as useless persons. But because of this initiative now I can get customers from uptown because I have been fully digitally equipped,” she said.
Online Reporter