A digital skills programme in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, supported by event industry charity foundation Meeting Needs, is helping hundreds of young people gain technology and digital marketing skills.
The initiative, run by the Jafuta Foundation at the Batoka Centre of Hope, received a £6,900 grant from Meeting Needs six months ago to purchase and install 30 computers. Since then, the programme has introduced 386 learners aged 17-30 to digital literacy and professional technology training.
Delivered in partnership with US charity Uncommon, the project provides training in software development, digital marketing and online content creation. Uncommon funds salaries, transport and operating costs, while some students travel significant distances to attend classes, with some walking up to 20 kilometres.
The first cohort has completed an intensive software development course and progressed into digital marketing training. Participants are building websites, creating digital content, working on live marketing projects and gaining additional qualifications through Coursera certifications.
According to the foundation, the impact extends beyond technical skills, with students also developing greater confidence, communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
Jafuta Foundation 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.”
The programme forms part of Meeting Needs' wider work supporting community and educational projects around the world through funding generated by the meetings and events industry.
For more information about supporting Meeting Needs, contact Margaret Mann at [email protected].
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
