A year ago, the path ahead felt shrouded in mist for many young Zimbabweans, myself included. That familiar feeling of accumulating years without tangible progress, a sense of drift in a challenging economic landscape, is an experience many can relate to. It is a heavy burden to carry, especially when ambition burns brightly within. But sometimes, often when least expected, a beacon of hope appears. For me, and many of my peers, that beacon has been the Digital Skills 4 Youth (DS4Y) programme, an initiative by Plan International.

The Weight of Limited Options

My journey, like that of many young people in Zimbabwe, has been one of adaptation and resilience. Having spent eleven formative years in South Africa, from 2008, I completed my secondary education there, graduating with a Matriculation certificate (equivalent to O-Levels) with a Diploma pass in 2018. In 2019, family circumstances led to our relocation back to Zimbabwe. Armed with my Matric, I soon discovered the stark realities of the Zimbabwean job market. Formal employment proved elusive.

The truth is, while a Matric certificate is a commendable achievement, the local employment scene often demands further qualifications or specific vocational skills. My only brush with formal employment came through a connection at Lobels Biscuits & Sweets in 2019. Since then, it has been a testament to the “make a plan” spirit so ingrained in us: reselling sweets, agricultural produce, and airtime; taking on construction piece jobs; even cutting grass. More recently, I ventured into freelance article writing, occasional graphic design for posters, assisting with school projects, and running a small photocopying and printing business. It has been a continuous process of trying, learning, and surviving – some ventures proving lucrative, others less so. This period, while challenging, instilled a deep understanding of the hustle, but the desire for more stable, skill-based opportunities remained.

A Chance Encounter, A Life-Altering Opportunity

Towards the end of last year, a flicker of opportunity appeared on my brother’s WhatsApp status – an advertisement for a free digital skills training programme by Plan International, called the Digital Skills 4 Youth (DS4Y) programme. The offer of free, comprehensive training almost seemed too good to be true, a common scepticism when such golden opportunities arise. However, with little to lose and a yearning for meaningful advancement, I submitted my application.

Life, in its relentless way, continued, and I had almost forgotten about the application when, a couple of months later, I received a call. It was the programme director, who posed several questions about my background and, crucially, how the DS4Y programme could benefit me. I answered with sincerity, outlining my aspirations and the challenges I faced. An anxious wait followed, culminating in the much-anticipated call inviting me to an orientation class. I was in! It felt like the first significant silver lining after a prolonged period of uncertainty.

More Than Just Clicks and Code: Inside the DS4Y Programme

The DS4Y programme has been nothing short of transformative, not just for me but for the entire cohort of enthusiastic young learners. Over a focused period of four months, under the guidance of dedicated and knowledgeable facilitators, I have gained proficiency in industry-standard software that previously seemed daunting. For instance, Adobe Photoshop, a powerful tool for graphic design, enabling the creation of stunning visuals for marketing, branding, and digital art, is no longer an enigma. Similarly, Visual Studio Code, a versatile code editor used by professionals for web development and software programming, has become a familiar environment.

What sets this programme apart is its contemporary and highly relevant curriculum. We are working with the latest Windows operating system and current application software, ensuring the skills we acquire are immediately applicable in the modern workplace. The modules are intelligently designed to interconnect; for example, learning graphic design principles in Photoshop directly complements understanding how to build visually appealing websites, and both are crucial for effective digital marketing. The programme comprehensively covers how to conceptualise and execute an effective digital marketing strategy – the art and science of promoting products or services using digital channels such as social media, search engines, email, and websites. This is a vital skill in today’s increasingly online business world.

However, the true brilliance of the DS4Y programme extends beyond technical instruction. It fosters a safe and supportive learning environment. When facing challenges, whether academic or personal, there is a network of facilitators and peers ready to assist. Crucially, the programme heavily invests in life skills – those essential competencies that enable individuals to navigate life effectively. We have received invaluable training on coping mechanisms, interpersonal skills and treating others with respect, crafting a modern Curriculum Vitae (CV) that stands out, identifying and applying for job opportunities, the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, the practicalities of building a business from the ground up, and how to draft compelling proposals. The list is extensive, and each element contributes to building well-rounded, confident individuals.

The skills imparted are not just nationally recognised; they hold international currency. In an increasingly globalised world, possessing digital competencies that are universally valued opens up a significantly wider array of opportunities, including remote work and international collaborations.

A Future Reimagined

As I approach my graduation from the programme on the 28th of May, I am filled with a profound sense of optimism. The qualifications gained have equipped me with tangible, in-demand skills, and more importantly, have restored a sense of direction and hope for the future. The clouds of uncertainty have begun to part, revealing a horizon brimming with potential.

I wholeheartedly encourage any young Zimbabwean who feels lost, is currently unemployed, or simply wishes to enhance their knowledge of computers, software applications, and the digital landscape, to actively seek out and apply for such programmes. While it may not be an instant panacea for all of life’s challenges, it will undoubtedly bring much-needed clarity, empowerment, and a significant step towards a brighter future. It certainly has for me.

The digital age is upon us, and initiatives like Plan International’s DS4Y programme are vital in ensuring that Zimbabwean youth are not left behind. They are equipping a new generation with the tools to innovate, create, and thrive in the twenty-first-century economy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q1: What exactly is the Digital Skills 4 Youth (DS4Y) programme?
  • A1: The DS4Y programme is an initiative, in this instance by Plan International, designed to provide young people with free, comprehensive training in various digital skills, alongside essential life skills, to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.
• Q2: Who is Plan International?
  • A2: Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. They operate in numerous countries, running programmes focused on education, health, child protection, and economic empowerment.
• Q3: Is the programme genuinely free of charge?
  • A3: Yes, as experienced by myself and my peers in this specific intake, the DS4Y programme sponsored by Plan International was offered completely free of charge to selected participants.
• Q4: What kind of digital skills can one learn?
  • A4: The curriculum can vary, but in my experience, it included practical training in software like Adobe Photoshop (for graphic design), Visual Studio Code (for web development basics), and comprehensive modules on digital marketing strategies, all using current software versions.
• Q5: Who is typically eligible for such programmes?
  • A5: Eligibility criteria can differ, but they generally target unemployed or underemployed youth, often within a specific age bracket, who demonstrate a keen interest in acquiring digital skills. It is best to check the specific requirements when an application call is made.
• Q6: How long does the DS4Y programme typically last?
  • A6: My cohort’s programme spanned approximately four intensive months, but the duration might vary for different intakes or similar programmes.
• Q7: What are the benefits beyond learning technical computer skills?
  • A7: The programme offers significant benefits beyond technical skills. These include life skills training (CV writing, job application strategies, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, coping mechanisms), a supportive learning environment, networking opportunities, and a recognised certification upon completion.

Conclusion: Investing in Youth, Investing in Zimbabwe’s Future

My journey through the Digital Skills 4 Youth programme is a testament to the profound impact such initiatives can have. It is a clear demonstration that with access to the right resources and support, young Zimbabweans can overcome obstacles and forge promising paths for themselves. Programmes like DS4Y are not merely training courses; they are incubators of hope, cultivators of talent, and crucial stepping stones towards economic empowerment for the youth, which in turn, contributes to the broader development of Zimbabwe. The skills gained are more than just qualifications; they are keys unlocking doors to a future where young people can actively participate in and shape the digital economy.

Thank you.
Lawrence Melusi Mdlongwa, 24 years old.

This is a guest post by Lawrence Melusi Mdlongwa. You can submit your own guest blogging article to us too. Get in touch on WhatsApp +263772473953 or email [email protected]