Digital skills program offers escape route

Delight Sibanda

BULAWAYO-A digital skills program has been hailed for empowering and giving hope to underprivileged young people in Zimbabwe.

The program which is a product of Plan International in partnership with USAID, World Food Program, the government of Zimbabwe and the University of Science and Technology has two hubs in Bulawayo, one in Pumula and another in Thorngrove.

The program has a total of 200 young people ranging from ages 18-35 enrolled, of which 62% are girls. For one to be enrolled, three Ordinary Level passes are sufficient. The three courses on offer are graphic designing, web development and application design.

Speaking at a meeting held to showcase skills obtained by young people at the Pumula hub, the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provisional Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube praised the program for taking youths off the streets.

“In partnership with ministries like the youths ministry, the digital skills program has presented an opportunity to the youths. As the government, we are certain that the digital skills program will ensure the young youths are competitive on the international job and product market which will open opportunities for freelancing and engaging in companies within the sector,”  said Ncube.

“The program will empower young people with what they like.  Young people spend a lot of time on social media so  we try to level their interest with the  skill which will help them to earn a living,” said Plan International Program Manager, Noreen Makhurane. Her sentiments were echoed by Plan International Director, Van Dommelen who added that the aim was to reach the most vulnerable youths and scale up the program to different places.

World Food Programme Deputy country director, Christine Mendes said young people have limited opportunities and reduced access to financials including loans and that the program is set up to equip them with the right skills and tools to fight poverty.

Ayanda Ncube who specializes in web development said the digital skills program was a revelation. “I was never exposed to the digital world.  I was born and raised in Nyamandlovu and the only digital platform I knew was Facebook. I can now create and develop websites. When I complete this course, I want to be CEO of my own company,” she said.

“As a result of the digital skills program, I identified some problems that we are facing in our country, one of which was the issue of queues specially at Mpilo Hospital, so I went on to create a website for people to get registered, get booked and pay online to minimize queues,” said Bradley Nkomo, who is learning web development. 

“Everyone of these youths can take these skills and turn them  into one of their dreams or job opportunities and enhance their business ideas as well as their chances of formal employment. Digital skills are crucial in today’s economy and we are very proud and happy to give Zimbabweans this opportunity,” said United States Charge d’ Affaires, Thomas Hastings.

Zimbabwe’s youth are facing a myriad of challenges stemming from unemployment, comatose economy, exorbitant school fees, teenage pregnancies and drug abuse. The digital skills program aims to ameliorate the challenges bedeviling young people.