Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Gwayi
RURAL youths in Gwayi are set to benefit from digital skills training and new livelihood opportunities following the commissioning of the Uncommon-Painted Dog Conservation Innovation Hub, a facility aimed at reducing unemployment and curbing cases of poaching.
The hub, which was officially opened on Friday, was established through a partnership between conservation organisation Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) and global education technology organisation Uncommon.org.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North Cde Richard Moyo said the initiative reflected Government’s commitment to ensuring that rural communities benefit from technology and innovation.
He said the project aligned with the Second Republic’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The establishment of this Innovation Hub here in Gwayi sends a clear message that rural communities are not spectators in Zimbabwe’s development journey; they are active participants and critical drivers of our nation’s transformation,” said Cde Moyo.
He said the facility would support Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) by equipping young people with skills in computer literacy, software development, digital marketing and other areas essential for participation in the digital economy.
“The opening of this Innovation Hub further demonstrates that conservation is no longer only about protecting wildlife. It is also about investing in people, creating opportunities, empowering communities and unlocking innovation,” he said.
Located near Hwange National Park, an area affected by unemployment, human-wildlife conflict and poaching, the minister said the hub provided communities with sustainable alternatives through education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Better livelihoods lead to better conservation,” said Cde Moyo, while urging residents to reject poaching and report wildlife crimes.
PDC board chairman Senator Jerry Gotora said the innovation hub was an extension of the organisation’s long-standing approach of combining conservation with community development.
“This hub is for you and in return we expect help to stamp out poaching. Report poaching, participate in anti-poaching initiatives, utilise the facility and protect it from vandalism,” he said.
Sen Gotora said PDC’s community anti-poaching programme employs more than 200 local people and injects over US$40 000 annually into the local economy while supporting wildlife protection.
He said the organisation had also invested in community projects, including the construction of Songwa Clinic, renovation of four rural clinics, classroom blocks and environmental education programmes that have reached more than 18 000 children since 2004.
Uncommon.org country director Mrs Mitchell Gwatiringa said the Gwayi facility was the organisation’s 10th innovation hub in Zimbabwe and would help ensure rural youths are not excluded from the digital economy.
“At Uncommon, we believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Every young person, regardless of where they are born or where they live, deserves the chance to develop the digital skills that will prepare them for the future,” she said.
Mrs Gwatiringa said the organisation was working with Government ministries and local partners to expand access to coding, digital literacy, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship training across the country.
“No one should be left behind in the digital economy,” she said.
More than 35 young people are already enrolled at the Gwayi hub, with beneficiaries saying the programme has transformed their career prospects.
Auxilia Chilongyezu Tshuma (28), who recently completed a diploma in education, said she joined the programme to combine teaching with technology skills.
“I wanted to add more value to my diploma. This programme is taking me into the digital world and I believe it will make me a better teacher,” she said.
She said the facility could also help address social challenges affecting young women by creating employment opportunities and promoting financial independence.
“As soon as girls finish school, they can come here, learn digital skills, get jobs and become financially independent,” she said.
Nomaswazi Lupahla (25) said training in product design, software development and digital marketing had opened opportunities she never knew existed.
“Learning product design, software development and digital marketing has opened opportunities I never knew existed. I now believe I can build my own business,” she said.
Mfanelo Sibanda (26), whose university studies were disrupted by financial challenges, said the hub had given him an opportunity to rebuild his future.
“I had dreams that were left hanging. Now I know my strengths and where I want to be in the next few years,” he said.
He said access to digital skills could also discourage young people from engaging in poaching.
“When young people have opportunities like this, they stop looking at poaching as the only option. They begin to see a different future,” he said.
Cloudious Nyoni (29), who is recovering from injuries sustained in a road accident, said the programme had shown him that physical limitations should not prevent people from earning a living.
“I’ve learned to build applications, websites and use artificial intelligence. I now know I can work using digital skills instead of relying only on physical labour,” he said.
Eighteen-year-old Michael Mpala said the training had introduced him to software development.
“I always wanted to learn computers but never had the opportunity. Now I can code and develop applications,” he said.
Yolanda Melissa Lunga (30) said the boot camp had equipped participants with practical skills in software engineering, coding, artificial intelligence and product design.
“These are skills that can help us solve problems and compete for jobs in today’s digital economy,” she said.
