Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana recently in Gwayi
PAINTED Dog Conservation (PDC), in partnership with United States-based tech organisation Uncommon.com, has launched the first-ever rural coding centre in Matabeleland North, aimed at empowering local youths with digital skills while linking technology to conservation.
In an interview on the sidelines of the recent Wildlife Ranger Challenge in Gwayi, PDC’s education and community development programmes director, Mr Wilton Nsimango, said the project, known as ‘The Uncommon Project’, seeks to transform livelihoods in Gwayi and surrounding areas through coding.
“The main thing is that we are looking at the youth in the Gwayi area as the people who should benefit. Once you get the skill in coding, you can work from home,” he said.
“What you need is a computer and an internet connection. Then you can design things, organise workshops or even get hired to run online projects.”
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge, which attracted participants from conservation groups across Matabeleland, was aimed at raising awareness and resources for frontline rangers.
Mr Nsimango said the new coding initiative was a natural extension of those conservation goals, as it empowers communities with alternative livelihoods that reduce dependence on natural resources.
“Uncommon.com is into coding and designing and we felt that Gwayi was the right place to start because it’s an active centre with a lot of traffic around and vibrant communities,” he said.
Already, four former PDC “Bush Camp” students have been selected and are undergoing training in Victoria Falls.
“They are only left with two months to complete their training and will be the ones to launch the programme when it gets here,” said Mr Nsimango.
The coding classes will be hosted at Gwayi Primary School, where both youths and school children will get the chance to enrol. To ensure wider access, PDC also plans to procure a commuter minibus to ferry learners from surrounding areas such as Chimwara, Mazwa and Hangano in Lupane district. The courses are expected to run for six months or more, depending on the pace of learners.
Mr Nsimango stressed that the project is also about strengthening conservation awareness through technology.
“We want people to realise that this is connecting them to conservation. That’s how you improve livelihoods. Once people start making money through coding, there is employment creation right there,” he said.
Mr Nsimango emphasised that while Gwayi has previously been flagged for conservation-related challenges, PDC’s approach is focused on coexistence rather than conflict.
“We always say we don’t paint everybody with one brush. Our thrust is no longer human-wildlife conflict, but human-wildlife coexistence.
“How do we make people coexist with animals and see a benefit? This project is part of that answer,” he said.
PDC hopes to expand the programme to more centres within its operating area.
“With funds permitting, once we make this right, there is the likelihood we will have as many centres as possible. We don’t just connect people to anything, but we connect people to conservation,” said Mr Nsimango.
The initiative marks the first coding hub in rural Matabeleland North, positioning Gwayi as a trailblazer in blending conservation with technology-driven community development.
