Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
ZIMPAPERS Training Institute (ZTI) has forged a major partnership with India’s Lovely Professional University (LPU), a strategic move poised to significantly reshape Zimbabwe’s education and media training landscape.
The collaboration aims to enhance vocational training, technological integration, and global exposure for Zimbabwean students, particularly in the fields of media and communication.
During his inaugural visit to Zimbabwe, LPU Vice President Dr Aman Mittal expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and its long-term impact on human capital development.
“Zimpapers is already active in radio, television, and newspapers, which makes them a powerful industry player. We believe that a student who studies while working in such a practical environment will become strong manpower for Zimbabwe,” he said.
As part of the partnership, LPU will support curriculum development, faculty training, advanced teaching methodologies, and internship opportunities.
Zimbabwean students enrolled in Master’s programmes in media, film production, and journalism at LPU will be guaranteed internships with Zimpapers, bridging academic training with real-world industry experience.
“We are going to help Zimpapers with all the content, curriculum, training of the faculty, and ensure those trained get internships. It is a two-way process — our students will also get confirmed internships at Zimpapers,” said Dr Mittal.
LPU hosts nearly 1 000 Zimbabwean students, making it the single largest host of Zimbabwean students at any institution globally. The university also attracts learners from 29 African countries, with Zimbabwe being the leading contributor.
The partnership seeks to introduce a new model of education in Zimbabwe — one that shifts from traditional classroom teaching to immersive, experience-based learning within professional media environments.
“Traditional institutions have remained unchanged for centuries. But when students are brought into studios and newspaper offices as part of their training, that becomes a new model of education — and we are proud to help Zimbabwe lead that change,” said Dr Mittal.
Looking ahead, the collaboration may expand to include the establishment of a full-fledged media and technology institute in Zimbabwe, with potential campuses in Harare or Bulawayo.
This would allow for the direct delivery of LPU-designed programmes locally and increase access to globally benchmarked education for Zimbabwean students.
The initiative is part of LPU’s broader mission, with similar projects already implemented in countries like Mongolia, where the university has supported government-led youth training programmes in technology.
Dr Mittal emphasised the importance of investing in technology across the education sector, warning that many institutions globally have delayed such investments to their detriment.
“Gone are the days when a degree was enough. The only way institutions can remain relevant is by investing in AI, machine learning, and customised education. A piece of paper will not help anymore — skills will,” he said.
The partnership also underscores the role of private and international institutions in complementing local efforts to modernise education.
“If we can create thousands of media-ready professionals through this institution — people who can work anywhere in the world — we have done our work,” said Dr Mittal.
Zimpapers Acting Chief Executive, Mr William Chikoto, said the partnership would see the Indian university assisting ZTI in enhancing its curriculum.
“As you are aware, they are a very big university, also big in media training, so they have offered to partner with us in curriculum development. They can also assist us with lecturers. Lectures can be delivered virtually, and some can come here to work with us. We are also exploring exchange programmes so our people can go there and learn,” he said.
Mr Chikoto highlighted the importance of career exposure, noting that the partnership would allow LPU to engage directly with students during school outreach programmes.
“We will go to schools with them, and they will have the opportunity to introduce the different programmes they offer directly to students, helping them make informed choices,” he said.
He also revealed that LPU has developed a psychometric test that can be administered in schools.
“Students can take that test, and it will indicate which career path they should follow based on the results. We are excited about all these possibilities. As you know, our dream is to one day grow into a university. We will start small, as we have, but in the years to come, we hope to develop and introduce degrees affiliated with that university.
“There are several areas we are going to explore, and what’s encouraging is that they have committed to assisting us with whatever support we need—and we are very grateful for that,” he said.
