THE United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), in partnership with the Zimbabwean government and private sector, has launched a Social Innovation Hub in Ruwa to equip young people with skills in green technology and digital platforms.
Officially opened by Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training minister Tinoda Machakaire, the hub is a collaborative effort among Unicef Zimbabwe, the ministry, ZB Financial Holdings and BOOST.
It features a solar power system, a digital training suite and business incubation spaces.
Unicef representative in Zimbabwe, Etona Ekole, said over 150 students were benefiting from the facility’s flexible learning schedules.
She described the hub as a strategic initiative to bridge traditional vocational training with modern skill development.
“The Ruwa Innovation Hub is designed to enhance access to innovation and digital learning skills for young people,” Ekole said.
“It aims to bridge the gap between traditional vocational education and contemporary skills needed today.”
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Ekole emphasised Unicef’s commitment to scaling the model to 60 vocational training centres across Zimbabwe through broader public and private partnerships.
The launch coincided with the graduation of 312 youths, who undertook technical and enterprise courses at the Ruwa and Chitungwiza vocational training centres.
Machakaire linked the hub’s mission to the national fight against drug and substance abuse, adding that this year’s theme Innovate, Digitalise and Enterprise was a direct response to the crisis.
“Skills training is not just an economic intervention, it is a social vaccine,” he said.
“It restores dignity, builds identity and offers a pathway to purpose.”
