In a major step towards promoting inclusive tertiary education, the Forum for African Women Educationalists Zimbabwe (Fawezi), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has handed over laptops to 192 students under the Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalised Young Women and Men Programme.
The handover ceremony, held at Golden Conifer in Harare on April 30, marked a significant milestone in the seven-year initiative aimed at expanding access to tertiary education for vulnerable youth across Zimbabwe.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including acting minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Frederick Shava, represented by Fanwell Tagwira, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.
Deputy minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mercy Dinha, Norman Takaedza, and vice-chancellors from several state universities and polytechnics also attended the ceremony.
The programme, now in its second phase running from 2024 to 2030, is being implemented in ten African countries — Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Ghana, Malawi, Liberia, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.
It focuses on supporting marginalised young women and men aged between 15 and 25, particularly those affected by poverty, conflict, displacement, gender inequality, and disability.
The initiative also prioritises Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) programmes within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Speaking during the event, Fawezi executive director Lydia Madyirapanze said the organisation received overwhelming interest from applicants across the country.
“When we started the process last year, Fawezi developed an application system which went through different ministries. We distributed hard copy applications through the Primary and Secondary Education ministry structures, provincial offices, district offices, as well as the office of the minister of Higher and Tertiary Education,” she said.
Madyirapanze revealed that Fawezi received 709 online applications and 2 978 hard-copy submissions, bringing the total number of applications to 3 687.
“From that number, we selected 192 programme participants, including 31 participants with disabilities and chronic illnesses, 20 persons with disabilities, and 10 from the refugee community,” she said.
She emphasised that the selection process was rigorous and transparent.
“We underwent a vigorous, transparent and multi-layered process. Provincial selection committees comprising 21 members screened applications before a national selection committee, which included the Tertiary Education Services Council and the Commission for Refugees, conducted the final shortlisting process. Home visits were also carried out to verify applications,” she said.
Most applications came from Harare Metropolitan, Manicaland, and Midlands provinces.
The beneficiaries are enrolled at several institutions, including Harare Polytechnic, Gweru Polytechnic, Mutare Polytechnic, Bulawayo Polytechnic, and Belvedere Technical Teachers College.
Among the most popular fields of study are Laboratory Technology, Electrical Power Engineering, and Information Technology.
Earlier discussions at the event focused on the importance of building gender-responsive institutions of higher learning.
Fawezi announced plans to introduce gender-responsive pedagogy training in tertiary institutions through its Tuseme (Speak Out) model.
Madyirapanze also highlighted the growing mismatch between available skills and labour market demands.
“There is a mismatch and shortage of skills that can lead to dignified work. These needs require stronger linkages and relevance in education and training opportunities,” she said.
The programme is structured around eight key pillars, including higher education access initiatives, mentoring, student support services, employer and industry linkages, entrepreneurship support, and gender-responsive curriculum development.
Through the initiative, Fawezi and the Mastercard Foundation hope to create expanded educational and economic opportunities for vulnerable young people while strengthening inclusive and equitable tertiary education systems across Zimbabwe and the continent.