My name is Sophia Makanyanga (47) and I am a smallholder farmer based in Mvere C village in Ward 19, Mutasa district. As a smallholder farmer, I faced numerous challenges in accessing capital to grow my business, despite my enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, financial freedom and improved economic status.
However, my life took a turn for the better with the introduction of the Farmers’ Clubs concept by DAPP Zimbabwe with financial support from GAIA USA in 2021. The project brought a wealth of knowledge on smart agriculture, vegetable production, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. I was further introduced to the concept of Internal Savings and Lending (ISAL) groups, aimed at empowering women and smallholder farmers like myself.
Initially, I was skeptical about pooling resources and unsure about the club life promoted by DAPP. I struggled to make ends meet and my entrepreneurial spirit was hindered by limited access to capital. However, after understanding the benefits of club life, I became one of the founding members of the first ISAL group in our area consisting of 15 people.
I used income from selling garden vegetables to pay the $20 joining fee. With guidance from an extension officer and DAPP field officer, Calvin Guruve, I gained the confidence to start with locally available resources. Our ISAL group, with a guiding constitution and committee agreed that each member would contribute $10 a month and could also borrow money at a 10% interest rate. I borrowed $70 to start vending clothes and persevered increasing my garden production to raise enough income to cover the monthly interest.
By year-end, our group had raised USD $2,000 which was shared equally among members. I used my share to buy irrigation pipes, making it easier to water my garden. I am thrilled that our group remains intact and thriving providing a sustainable source of financial support for farmers like me. Through this experience, I have learnt the value of collective action and access to affordable credit in overcoming financial barriers as a smallholder farmer.
For the past 24 years, Humana People to People through its 29 independent member associates reached 24.8 million people with HIV prevention, access to testing, referral to treating including quality care and support. For the past two decades, Total Control of the Epidemic, an HIV prevention programme from Humana People to People has engaged people to take control against the spread of the HIV epidemic under the motto: “Only the people can liberate themselves from HIV”.
As DAPP Zimbabwe, we focus on the people and not the disease as we equip individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to take control of their own health. We engage community-based, people-centred and targeted approaches with the goal of protecting people’s lives against HIV, promoting healthy communities, supporting the vulnerable and saving lives.
Our sister organisation, DAPP Zambia’s TCE programme has shown that targeted community-based HIV testing approaches are effective in finding people who are unaware of their HIV+ status. The index testing approach initiates and pursues contact tracing of known HIV-positive cases for possible HIV infection: spouse, sexual partners and biological children. DAPP Zambia has achieved an HIV-positivity yield of 24% for persons who received Index Case Testing in communities of Eastern Province of Zambia in the year 2023 alone.
Preliminary, reports findings from the latest UNAIDS report launched on 22 July at the AIDS 2024 Conference shows that ending AIDS as a public health threat is achievable by 2030 but that success is being threatened by pushes to reduce funding and to restrict human rights. Taking the wrong path, by limiting resourcing or clamping down on human rights, would lead the pandemic to continue to grow, costing millions more lives and undermining global health security.
Represented by our sister organisations at the ongoing 25th International AIDS Conference currently taking place in Munich Germany, we are making presentations which are all based on factual data driven findings from HIV and TB programmes being implemented in southern African countries namely; Angola, Botswana, Congo, D.R., Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
This year’s 25th International AIDS Conference is being held under the theme: Putting People First.
At a time when many young people seem aimless and adrift, feeling overwhelmed by despair and complaining about unemployment, DAPP Zimbabwe a member of the Humana People to People movement has joined the Africa Skills Revolution. This initiative, launched on July 15th, World Youth Skills Day, aims to offer a beacon of hope through skills development in technical and vocational training
DAPP is one of the eight Humana People to People countries in Africa that offer Vocational Skills Training to young people. The institutions carefully design courses that meet market demands, aligning with national educational frameworks and complementing government efforts to improve academic outcomes. The seven other countries besides DAPP Zimbabwe are Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia
Speaking via Zoom during the webinar launch on Monday, DAPP Zimbabwe Country Director Luckson Soda shared how DAPP’s pioneering public-private partnerships have led to the development of market-driven short courses tailored to address specific skills gaps in sectors like agriculture, engineering and cosmetology.
“These initiatives not only enhance employability but also stimulate economic growth in local communities. As we look to the future, the role of TVET providers in Africa cannot be overstated. They serve as springboards for unleashing the potential of Africa’s youth, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to shape their own destinies and contribute to a prosperous continent,” said Luckson Soda
“Mr. Soda noted that it is important to nurture young talent in Africa. ‘Today, as we continue to invest in the potential of Africa’s youth, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing their talents and aspirations. Let us provide them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to realize their dreams and build the Africa they envision – a continent where every young person thrives, contributes, and achieves greatness,’ he said.”
DAPP Zimbabwe Vocational Training College Concept
Firstly, our commitment to empowering young people is unwavering. Our TVET college is dedicated to equipping students with practical skills directly relevant to local job markets. We believe in not only preparing students for careers but also empowering them to shape their own futures as drivers of innovation and progress.
Secondly, our college is more than just educational institution, it is a vibrant community hub deeply embedded within our local context. It serves as catalysts for development, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and driving collective progress in the communities.
Thirdly, the college prioritize serving rural and remote areas, ensuring that youth in these regions have equitable access to quality education and opportunities for socio-economic advancement. This commitment is rooted in our belief that every young person deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their geographical location.
Lastly, a cornerstone of education at our college is the cultivation of essential 21st-century skills. Students learn critical competencies such as organization, teamwork, and problem-solving skills vital for addressing global challenges like climate change and inequality. These competencies not only prepare students to lead but also to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing world.
My name is Simba Mboma and I am a 48-year-old farmer from Svondo village in Chivi District, Zimbabwe. Throughout my life, I always practised subsistence farming, where I grew crops only for household consumption with barely anything to sell. However, I always desired to generate extra income but lack of knowledge and skills held me back. As the breadwinner of my family, I would take on piece jobs in my community to supplement my income averaging $60 a month which was not adequate to support my family.
My life changed when I enrolled in Farmers’ Club Chivi in September 2021 where I received training on smart agriculture and its three principles: potholing, mulching and crop rotation. I implemented these techniques in my 1ha field and 0.1ha garden and also substituted chemical fertilizers with organic manure from my Chinese, vermi and heap composts on my pieces of land. I started with 900 tomato plants in my garden and realised an income of about $600usd translating to a profit of $400 after subtracting input costs. This year, I expanded my garden land from 0.1 to 0.2 hectares and planted 2,000 cabbage heads using capital of $400 and I am anticipating a minimum yield worth USD 1,000. Despite the challenges posed by Cyclone El Nino-induced drought, I am confident in my ability to provide for my family.
My garden crop production increased as I also leveraged the symbiosis between crops and livestock by using animal manure for my crops. I also started producing seasonal vegetables like onions out of season to capitalize on market supply gaps in my community which helped me increase my income and profits. I sell these my produces to walk-in customers and nearby schools. I have already started to benefit an improved standard of living for my household as we now access improved food and nutrition as well as afford other services like education and health.
Despite the challenges posed by Cyclone El Nino-induced drought, I’m confident in my ability to provide for my family’s nutrition, food and income security through farming. My success is a testament to the impact of DAPP’s initiatives, which have empowered me with the skills and knowledge to thrive in sustainable agriculture. By sharing my experiences and expertise, I hope to inspire others to adopt climate-resilient farming methods, boost their yields and improve their livelihoods. Together, we can build a more food-secure and sustainable future for our communities.
Humana People to People (HUMANA) will participate in the Role of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVES) in VET in Africa International Conference, from 25th to 27th of June 2024 in Casablanca, Morocco. This forum, organized by the European Training Foundation (ETF) and ENABEL, will provide a platform for discussion and reflections on CoVEs policies and practices as well as facilitate exchange, networking and encourage transnational cooperation between training providers in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.
The three-day event aims to foster the exchange of ideas, practices, and experiences among centers of vocational excellence within Africa. It will highlight good practices, tools, and resources across various topics, including governance, funding, economic sectors, work-based learning, and the green and digital transitions.
Through its 16 Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) colleges spread across Angola, Guinea Bissau, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe— HUMANA has equipped more than 30,000 young people with the skills needed to thrive professionally and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities. Both our formal and informal TVET programmes are designed to be practical and provide real-life experience. Additionally, the programmes have a strong entrepreneurship component.
Four representatives from our TVET colleges in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, will be sharing practices and pedagogies that significantly impact sustainable and inclusive education, as well as youth access to the labor market.
Zechariah Viano, Deputy Principal of Mikolongwe Vocational School in Malawi, will showcase business-support services in agriculture to fosters an entrepreneurial culture, nurture talent, and develop a skilled, industry-responsive workforce among youth in rural areas in Malawi.
Chipo Zuze, Education Sector Leader at Ponesai Vanhu Technical College in Zimbabwe, will explain how the college has developed an innovative and sustainable public-private partnership (PPP) model centred around in curricula design, work-based learning opportunities and social inclusion aspects.
Fernando Angelo, Headmaster at ADPP Polytechnic School in Angola, will focus on how their schools have successfully integrated circular economy principles and green skills into the school’s curriculum. Some of the initiatives he will share about are on efficient charcoal stoves production and textile upcycling, among others.
Lastly, Rui Baloi, Partnership Officer at ADPP Mozambique, will present how ADPP Polytechnic Institutes in Nhamatanda and Nacala play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap in the agricultural job market by enhancing the technical capacities of TVET students, including through hands-on experiences such as demonstration plots.
By participating actively in this conference, HUMANA aims to inspire, exchange and contribute to the development of a robust and inclusive vocational education system in the region that can drive sustainable economic growth and social development.
Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Zimbabwe’s pedagogical methods are an essential component in the development of human capital skills not only in Mashonaland Central but the nation at large, a senior government official said last week.
Permanent Secretary for Skills Audit and Development, Ambassador Rudo Chitiga said this while officiating a workshop where her Ministry is seeking to understand the realities of the skills landscape.
The workshop’s objectives included the need to get an appreciation of the current skills development in the province, challenges and possible partnership measures as well as understanding resource endowments in the province and the relevant skills in short supply needed in the future.
She commended DAPP Zimbabwe’s methods for improving rural socio-economic development saying they are scalable beyond Mashonaland Central. “I have heard a lot from the DAPP Organisation in Zimbabwe. It is our recommendation and it is sitting on our table and agenda that we want to rope in DAPP Zimbabwe to be part of this program development together with my Ministry, especially in the fight for Rural Socio-economic Development, not only for this province but the entire nation.
“So, DAPP, you are being warned here and please do link with our offices for more collaborations and synergies,” said the Perm Sec.
The government also challenged institutions that do not offer employment opportunities or those that do not open doors to people who did not get good results or grades from various examinations.
“Let us all be inclusive. Let us capacitate our staff. Some staff in the organisations have become redundant hence the need for training,” said the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution of Mash Central Province Hon Christopher Magomo. He also discouraged rote learning in the schools, calling for a relook into the training curriculums which should be linked to meet the changing needs and current challenges people face in various communities or sectors of business.
DAPP Zimbabwe’s projects align with the Ministry’s vision to enhance Zimbabwean citizens’ skills amidst the government’s concerns that educational institutions are churning out degreed students who are not directly serving their communities.
“As DAPP, we have opened our doors for everyone- the disabled, the outcasts from other colleges because of lack of required qualifications such as lack of mathematics and English at ordinary levels, to come and enroll in our vocational school PVTC,” said DAPP Frontline Institute Principal Doubt Musiiwa.
“Here we enroll even those without a subject for as long they can read and write. We have made synergies with institutions like Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), offered training to the students, made their trade tested and today are flooding institutions in the whole country more to say Bindura in the confectionary undertakings, motor mechanic industries and more.” Said Doubt Musiiwa.
