A joyous event marked the culmination of eight weeks of dedicated professional work for Zimbabwean university students abroad. Zimbabwe Career Connect under Education Matters brought together interns who had been placed in esteemed companies such as Afrikera, Ascot Engineering, Econet Wireless, IH Group, Liquid Telecoms, Netro Electronics and Uncommon.org to celebrate. From June to July, the interns enriched their intellectual wealth and gained professional experience.
The theme of the graduation, “Staying Connected,” resonated throughout the event, emphasizing not only the importance of maintaining connections but also fostering new ones in the pursuit of personal and professional growth. The program kicked off with the interns showcasing their projects, highlighting the tangible impact of their efforts during their placements.
Mr. Calvin Nhari, our esteemed guest speaker, delivered an inspiring talk on “Finding Inspiration.” He underscored the significance of building networks, nurturing aspirations, and how travel can ignite inspiration. His words resonated deeply with all attendees, encouraging them to think expansively about their futures and the role of continuous learning in personal development.
Albert Tsododo and Patience Madumera who were part of the ZCC 2024 Cohort shared their transformative experiences, detailing how Zimbabwe Career Connect paved the way for them to gain practical skills, refine their abilities to evaluate and execute tasks effectively, and provided a clear path forward in their careers.
The highlight of the ceremony was the certificate presentation by Mr. Nhari, Ms Betty Mafemera (Youth Programs Coordinator at Education Matters) and host organization supervisor where each intern’s dedication and achievements were recognised. Ms. Nicole Kumbula (Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Education Matters) delivered a poignant closing address, reaffirming the commitment of Zimbabwe Career Connect to bridge the gap between Zimbabwean students abroad and their homeland.
The event concluded with a vibrant networking session, where interns, host organizations, Zimbabwe Career Connect alumni and Education Matters collaborators forged new connections and solidified existing ones. This networking aspect underscored the program’s holistic approach to career development, ensuring that each participant leaves not only with enhanced skills but also with a robust professional network to support their future endeavors.
