Online Reporter
Nomalisa Gumpo
A free digital skills training programme for unemployed young people aged between 18 and 30 will start on Monday at St Bernard’s Primary School digital skills hub in Pumula North.
The Digital Skills for Youth project is a three-year initiative being implemented in Harare, Mutare and Bulawayo urban areas, as well as Chiredzi and Tsholotsho rural areas, by the Ministry of Youth and Plan International in partnership with Impact Hub Harare, with funding from SIDA.
The project seeks to promote sustainable and productive economic development for youth, particularly young women, by providing a supportive environment for digital skills, entrepreneurship, and employment.
Speaking to Ward 17 Councillor Skhululekile Moyo, she said the growing role of technology in development had created the need to equip unemployed young people with essential digital skills.
“A lot of young people are unemployed, and we are trying to prevent them from falling victim to substance abuse by equipping them with digital skills that will enable them to apply for online jobs and pursue digital entrepreneurship,” she said.
Cllr Moyo said many jobs now require applicants to possess basic digital skills, and through this free training they aim to strengthen young people’s knowledge.
“We invite all youths, especially young women around Pumula, to take part in this training. It will give them an opportunity to work with others, learn useful skills and improve their lives while keeping them away from the growing trend of substance abuse,” Cllr Moyo said.
Young people who wish to attend the training are encouraged to visit St Bernard’s Primary School Hall for more information and to register. Participants are required to have at least three O’Level passes to qualify for the three-months training.
The training will cover the use of databases, PowerPoint, MS Excel, and word processing. Additional modules will include digital marketing, online essentials, graphic design, and web design.
