In a groundbreaking move that promises to further reshape the professional landscape for Zimbabweans abroad and those already in the country and on the continent, Education Matters has officially become an affiliate of Africa Career Networks (ACN) in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, a program designed to accelerate young people into careers of impact. Education Matters through the Zimbabwe Career Connect and Pachipamwe community will drive positive impact further to support Zimbabweans abroad and those who have returned to the country and continent by bridging the gap between job seekers and employers.
This partnership presents a significant milestone for Education Matters in its mission to not only connect talented youth across Zimbabwe to global opportunities, but to support these globally exposed Zimbabweans with a smooth transition back home and continent, assisting them with accelerating into careers of impact in Zimbabwe and Africa for positive change.
The journey from education to employment can often feel like navigating a labyrinth, even worse the journey of transitioning back home or Africa after being away for a while. Many young graduates find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of how to leverage their academic achievements into meaningful careers in Zimbabwe and Africa. One of the challenges faced by people who studied abroad is understanding how to translate international degrees to the Zimbabwean context; and for those who did not study in Africa, to the broader African context. If you studied abroad, you built a professional network abroad- how do you now learn of and secure a job in Zimbabwe? If you don’t know people, or where to find opportunities, who helps you navigate this, particularly if your parents worked in the informal sector, or if you’re the first in your family to go to college and later seek a white collar job? How do you become an entrepreneur, if you don’t know where to access funding? Also the major question being can I actually financially survive in Zimbabwe?
Education Matters recognizes these challenges and is dedicated to addressing the campus-to-career transitions gap. By joining forces with ACN in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, they are, in cohesion, amplifying opportunities for young leaders across Africa. Driven by ACN’s values of compassion, curiosity, diversity, excellence, integrity, and humility, as an affiliate, Education Matters will ensure that tomorrow’s leaders are not only prepared for the workforce but also equipped to make significant contributions in their respective fields.
The ACN Affiliates Program is designed as a multi-year contract that focuses on recruiting program participants while facilitating job and internship opportunities in seven key sectors: agribusiness, education, healthcare, governance, infrastructure, professional services, and the arts. The ACN Affiliates Program accelerates career pathways for young leaders who are poised to tackle these issues head-on. This approach ensures that students are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in shaping their futures. Through workshops, networking events, and hands-on training sessions such as hackathons, growth labs, innovation and design challenges, they gain invaluable insights into their chosen fields and develop the competencies needed to thrive.
Education Matters is established in working with young people on the African continent and has demonstrated impact and success in working with young people through the Zimbabwe Career Connect (ZCC) Programme. ZCC is an experiential service-learning program that matches second- and third-year Zimbabwean students studying abroad in countries such as U.S., Canada, India, Rwanda, Ghana and many more with Zimbabwean companies and non-governmental organizations during the student’s three-month vacation period from university for internships. Through this programme and partnership, Education Matters will facilitate job placements and internships that align with the pre-mentioned sectors.
As an ACN Affiliate, Education Matters will play two pivotal roles:
- Improving Career Readiness: The organization will implement programs aimed at enhancing the employability of young people. This includes workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, and professional networking—all crucial skills that help students stand out in the job market.
- Establishing Employer Relationships: Building strong connections with employers is vital for securing dignified career opportunities. Education Matters will work to forge partnerships with businesses across various sectors, creating a robust network that benefits both students and employers alike.
This collaboration between Education Matters and ACN is more than just a strategic alliance; it embodies a shared vision of transforming lives through education and professional development. By connecting young leaders with meaningful opportunities, they are laying the groundwork for a brighter future—one where educated youth can contribute positively to their communities and drive sustainable development across Africa.