An educational project in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, co-funded by event industry foundation Meeting Needs, is delivering digital skills to local youngsters aged 17-30. A grant of £6900 purchased and installed 30 computers six months ago is already paying huge dividends by helping 386 students!
The local Jafuta Foundation is delivering the training at the Batoka Centre of Hope in Victoria Falls. This is one part of a major project for the foundation which is being delivered as a joint venture with an American charity, Uncommon. Uncommon are financing the salaries, transport and all ancillary costs. Some of the youngsters are walking 20 kilometres to classes!
The first cohort has now moved through the software development crash course and has progressed into digital marketing. They have been building practical skills through real projects, creating websites, developing digital content, working on marketing campaigns, and continuing their learning through Coursera certifications. Beyond technical skills, the students are seeing huge growth in their confidence, communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
Jafuta´s Education Director Courtney Connolly said: “What Meeting Needs helped unlock is not just a technology programme, it has created a space where young people from our community are beginning to see opportunities and futures that previously felt completely out of reach.
“One of the things that has been really special to watch is how the impact is already extending beyond the original group of students. The learners are beginning to support and encourage younger students, sharing their knowledge and helping build digital confidence within the community. Through outreach activities and school visits, we have already introduced 386 additional learners to digital literacy.
“As the time flies by, the focus now is increasingly moving towards preparing the students for real opportunities beyond the programme. They are building portfolios, strengthening their professional profiles, learning about AI and the changing digital landscape, and connecting with mentors and industry professionals. We are also working on developing local partnerships that can create internship and employment pathways as they graduate, and also hope to employ 1 or 2 students within Jafuta.
“For us at Jafuta, this programme has been representing so much more than learning technology. These are young people from communities where opportunities are extremely limited, and they are now gaining skills that can connect them to the wider world. Seeing their confidence grow has been incredibly rewarding.
“We are already looking ahead to 2027 and how we can continue building on this successful foundation, expanding access while ensuring we have the technology, support and mentorship needed to help these young people succeed.”
To see how you can work with Meeting Needs, contact Margaret Mann at mmann@meetingneeds.org.uk
