Elevation Zimbabwe – education for empowerment
By Denise Nanni and
Milena Rampoldi, ProMosaik. This is our first interview with an organization in
Zimbabwe. We talked to Tendai of Elevation,
caring about the education of young people in the country to empower them and
permit them to live an independent life. Knowledge and skills are fundamental
for the future of all developing countries. Empowerment is possible, but we
need education, and dissemination of knowledge. Would like to thank Tendai for
the detailed answers and important impulses.
Milena Rampoldi, ProMosaik. This is our first interview with an organization in
Zimbabwe. We talked to Tendai of Elevation,
caring about the education of young people in the country to empower them and
permit them to live an independent life. Knowledge and skills are fundamental
for the future of all developing countries. Empowerment is possible, but we
need education, and dissemination of knowledge. Would like to thank Tendai for
the detailed answers and important impulses.
How was Elevation
Zimbabwe founded and in which context?
Zimbabwe founded and in which context?
I cannot say an exact event happened but a series of events gave birth to
Elevation Zimbabwe. It was founded in 2012.
Elevation Zimbabwe. It was founded in 2012.
My passion for serving young people was thrust upon
me at first, being a typical teenager who found issues surrounding HIV/AIDs
boring and overrated. This was until I got a chance to participate in the
Family Life AIDS Action Group in 1998 and was cemented in 2003 when I
volunteered for 10 months in Gutu district with Students Partnership Worldwide
Zimbabwe (now Restless Development Zimbabwe). Living and interacting with young
people from disadvantaged communities opened my eyes to the realities of the
imbalances faced by the youths. I witnessed how inadequate information led to
the loss of life, as young girls and boys indulged in risky sexual practices.
How girls the ages of 14 years voluntarily mentioned that the first person they
had sexual intercourse with was either someone they did not know or a boy/young
man raring cattle at their homestead. It
was through such experiences that I grew a true understanding of the need for
youth empowerment through involvement and information dissemination.
me at first, being a typical teenager who found issues surrounding HIV/AIDs
boring and overrated. This was until I got a chance to participate in the
Family Life AIDS Action Group in 1998 and was cemented in 2003 when I
volunteered for 10 months in Gutu district with Students Partnership Worldwide
Zimbabwe (now Restless Development Zimbabwe). Living and interacting with young
people from disadvantaged communities opened my eyes to the realities of the
imbalances faced by the youths. I witnessed how inadequate information led to
the loss of life, as young girls and boys indulged in risky sexual practices.
How girls the ages of 14 years voluntarily mentioned that the first person they
had sexual intercourse with was either someone they did not know or a boy/young
man raring cattle at their homestead. It
was through such experiences that I grew a true understanding of the need for
youth empowerment through involvement and information dissemination.
I did not know how,
especially without an education that I would qualify for a job. Seeing as I did
not come up with the pre-requisite score to get a place at university to
fulfill my mission/calling. My passion
became my credentials for my first job and directed my need to serve. I believe that young people are the solution
to their
own development through meaningful participation. I have lived and facilitated
for young people to realise their capacity and make positive contributions to
the society. I believe I gained a skill that allows me to form meaningful
relationships with people of all ages, through the voluntary work and paid
jobs.
especially without an education that I would qualify for a job. Seeing as I did
not come up with the pre-requisite score to get a place at university to
fulfill my mission/calling. My passion
became my credentials for my first job and directed my need to serve. I believe that young people are the solution
to their
own development through meaningful participation. I have lived and facilitated
for young people to realise their capacity and make positive contributions to
the society. I believe I gained a skill that allows me to form meaningful
relationships with people of all ages, through the voluntary work and paid
jobs.
My personal objective has been facilitating for
young people’s voices to be heard; bridging their sentiments with those in the
community addressing the social inequities. We (my friends & I) founded an
in school club at St. Mary Magdalene’s High School; Family Life AIDS Action
Group (FLAG) – whose thrust was to allow young people (in school pupils) to
take responsibility of their own surroundings. We fundraised (old clothes,
magazines) for the benefit of the children staying at the children’s home. In
recognition of the commitment the school board saw it worth to award me a
School and Community spirit merit award.
young people’s voices to be heard; bridging their sentiments with those in the
community addressing the social inequities. We (my friends & I) founded an
in school club at St. Mary Magdalene’s High School; Family Life AIDS Action
Group (FLAG) – whose thrust was to allow young people (in school pupils) to
take responsibility of their own surroundings. We fundraised (old clothes,
magazines) for the benefit of the children staying at the children’s home. In
recognition of the commitment the school board saw it worth to award me a
School and Community spirit merit award.
We co-founded a youth oriented group, Hamundinzwi
(you do not hear me) which is a voice of the voiceless youth. The organisation
gave young people around Mutare urban an opportunity to express themselves
through song, drama, art, sport, worship. The organisation championed the
purpose of the youth, within Mutare.
(you do not hear me) which is a voice of the voiceless youth. The organisation
gave young people around Mutare urban an opportunity to express themselves
through song, drama, art, sport, worship. The organisation championed the
purpose of the youth, within Mutare.
I was invited and sponsored into the Mutare
Mountain Dew Lions Club (2005), where I have served the community of Mutare.
This was an honor as 11 years ago I was a pupil participating in a Lions club
organized/sponsored event but to serve my community under their membership was
motivating.
Mountain Dew Lions Club (2005), where I have served the community of Mutare.
This was an honor as 11 years ago I was a pupil participating in a Lions club
organized/sponsored event but to serve my community under their membership was
motivating.
Some say experience is the best teacher; we intend
to share that saying with our peers through the youth association. We intend to
shape their vision into reality; usually vision is long term but we are saying
let’s take the future into the present and let it be their light i.e.
self-awareness, self- esteem, self-efficacy.
to share that saying with our peers through the youth association. We intend to
shape their vision into reality; usually vision is long term but we are saying
let’s take the future into the present and let it be their light i.e.
self-awareness, self- esteem, self-efficacy.
I
enjoy working for young people, being young myself, and finding solutions to
our challenges, but I felt at times some solutions were general when presented
to me. A close friend, Innocent Kafembe said to me, “dude why aren’t you
formalizing your thoughts are pursue the passion, you will really influence
some lives”. I eventually said to my wife I want to share my experience with my
peers let us form a training company. Being the wife she is, she jumped on
board and we started name searching; Fountain, Elevate and she came up with
Elevation Zimbabwe (as young people we will build a nation through life
skills). So yes Elevation Zimbabwe was created in 2012.
enjoy working for young people, being young myself, and finding solutions to
our challenges, but I felt at times some solutions were general when presented
to me. A close friend, Innocent Kafembe said to me, “dude why aren’t you
formalizing your thoughts are pursue the passion, you will really influence
some lives”. I eventually said to my wife I want to share my experience with my
peers let us form a training company. Being the wife she is, she jumped on
board and we started name searching; Fountain, Elevate and she came up with
Elevation Zimbabwe (as young people we will build a nation through life
skills). So yes Elevation Zimbabwe was created in 2012.
I have gained so much wealth from
my colleagues professionally and socially. My background cannot be said to have
been fortunate nor can it be termed unfortunate but I feel there are some
instances in my childhood or youth that I could have gone well with a ‘friend’.
Today I want to be that friend to other young people, I will not reach out to
all but by impacting on a group, one will emulate and cascade.
my colleagues professionally and socially. My background cannot be said to have
been fortunate nor can it be termed unfortunate but I feel there are some
instances in my childhood or youth that I could have gone well with a ‘friend’.
Today I want to be that friend to other young people, I will not reach out to
all but by impacting on a group, one will emulate and cascade.
Elevation
Zimbabwe was to be the premium life skills organisation that will design
trainings for individuals within a team.
Zimbabwe was to be the premium life skills organisation that will design
trainings for individuals within a team.
As the
trainings commenced we discovered different angles of need from participants.
These were needs my wife and I would not have experienced and if we were to
share, it was going to be secondary experience so we would rope in a friend we knew
went through a ‘similar’ situation or they are going through it. My wife said
to me, “hey why don’t we call these guys training buddies?” This is how we
developed the concept of training buddies. They would come in to offer the
other end of experiential learning we were not equipped to deliver. Elevation
Zimbabwe, as a result, developed an operational structure: the training
coordinator and training buddies (young professionals/students who come in to
assist peers at their current level by sharing how they managed to deal with
situations).
trainings commenced we discovered different angles of need from participants.
These were needs my wife and I would not have experienced and if we were to
share, it was going to be secondary experience so we would rope in a friend we knew
went through a ‘similar’ situation or they are going through it. My wife said
to me, “hey why don’t we call these guys training buddies?” This is how we
developed the concept of training buddies. They would come in to offer the
other end of experiential learning we were not equipped to deliver. Elevation
Zimbabwe, as a result, developed an operational structure: the training
coordinator and training buddies (young professionals/students who come in to
assist peers at their current level by sharing how they managed to deal with
situations).
From
that point it was evident that Elevation Zimbabwe was to be a life skills centered entity, delivering
age appropriate training; with a focus on empowering the individual and build
from that so the individual had to realize their potential. Elevation Zimbabwe
was also meant to encourage learning by sharing and doing through a
personalised programme. We wanted to impart skills to the young; from as young as grade 4 pupils in primary
school to adults. We modified an
experiential model that would guide our life skills activities.
that point it was evident that Elevation Zimbabwe was to be a life skills centered entity, delivering
age appropriate training; with a focus on empowering the individual and build
from that so the individual had to realize their potential. Elevation Zimbabwe
was also meant to encourage learning by sharing and doing through a
personalised programme. We wanted to impart skills to the young; from as young as grade 4 pupils in primary
school to adults. We modified an
experiential model that would guide our life skills activities.
What are the main social issues
in your targeted areas?
in your targeted areas?
There
are numerous issues that affect Elevation Zimbabwe’s target group. These affect
our participants both, directly and indirectly (through parents/schools) but
these issues mostly get to our participants directly.
are numerous issues that affect Elevation Zimbabwe’s target group. These affect
our participants both, directly and indirectly (through parents/schools) but
these issues mostly get to our participants directly.
Unemployment is definitely
a major issue that we deal with. Some participants may be finding it difficult
to find work or they may still be living off their parents in their parents aboard.
When or if their parents loose their jobs and main source of income, the youth
may be forced to drop out of school. Some may even go to school, but on an
empty stomach, disintegrated family as parents stay away from home in search of
the next meal/school fees. Some may get an education and still fail to get
employment as. They may also struggle to capital to start their own income
generating projects. Elevation Zimbabwe trains these youths in life skills such
as resilience, entrepreneurship using locally available resources; low capital
projects with the support of our training buddies
a major issue that we deal with. Some participants may be finding it difficult
to find work or they may still be living off their parents in their parents aboard.
When or if their parents loose their jobs and main source of income, the youth
may be forced to drop out of school. Some may even go to school, but on an
empty stomach, disintegrated family as parents stay away from home in search of
the next meal/school fees. Some may get an education and still fail to get
employment as. They may also struggle to capital to start their own income
generating projects. Elevation Zimbabwe trains these youths in life skills such
as resilience, entrepreneurship using locally available resources; low capital
projects with the support of our training buddies
Another
important issue we deal with usually is that the young person today is more
exposed to having one parent at home and it is not because of diseases or that
they have passed on, but because they are working or separated. It is expected
that information or support comes from their parents/guardians, but most of
these young people figure life on their own.
important issue we deal with usually is that the young person today is more
exposed to having one parent at home and it is not because of diseases or that
they have passed on, but because they are working or separated. It is expected
that information or support comes from their parents/guardians, but most of
these young people figure life on their own.
Role
models at home or within the community are scarce. The youths rely on extended
role models who might not be able to translate to the youths nearest reality;
hence they keep chasing the wind. Youths are fighting with growth, being lonely
while dealing with challenges and supposed to overcome those issues. The young
are discovering themselves through numerous means that do not offer
bi-directional interface for example through movies, music. We believe our
training buddies can usher some ounce of hope and direction in their lives.
models at home or within the community are scarce. The youths rely on extended
role models who might not be able to translate to the youths nearest reality;
hence they keep chasing the wind. Youths are fighting with growth, being lonely
while dealing with challenges and supposed to overcome those issues. The young
are discovering themselves through numerous means that do not offer
bi-directional interface for example through movies, music. We believe our
training buddies can usher some ounce of hope and direction in their lives.
There
is limited to no career option or career guidance for the youth. We intend to
share all career paths for young people through engaging them at an early age
is limited to no career option or career guidance for the youth. We intend to
share all career paths for young people through engaging them at an early age
Interpersonal
skills e.g. communication, decision making, self-esteem, self-awareness etc. We train our participants on how to
balance between issues; school, home and personal matters.
skills e.g. communication, decision making, self-esteem, self-awareness etc. We train our participants on how to
balance between issues; school, home and personal matters.
Coping with stress, parental and
social expectations vs. their dreams and they are always caught in-between. I
believe young people including our youth in Zimbabwe, undergo emotional
pressure as a result of failing to balance such pressures including the development
of hormonal changes.
social expectations vs. their dreams and they are always caught in-between. I
believe young people including our youth in Zimbabwe, undergo emotional
pressure as a result of failing to balance such pressures including the development
of hormonal changes.
We also support issues raised by The Zimbabwe National Youth Policy
under consultative section from consultation with various stakeholders who
included the youth;
under consultative section from consultation with various stakeholders who
included the youth;
· Inadequate focus on behaviour change and life
skills methodologies;
skills methodologies;
· Inadequacy of the educational system for current
job markets in both the formal and informal sectors. The educational system is
still too academic and does not prepare the youth for decision-making,
entrepreneurship, and ability to participate in self-help programmes In
addition, there is high incidence of school dropouts due to rising school fees.
This affects girls more than boys.
job markets in both the formal and informal sectors. The educational system is
still too academic and does not prepare the youth for decision-making,
entrepreneurship, and ability to participate in self-help programmes In
addition, there is high incidence of school dropouts due to rising school fees.
This affects girls more than boys.
· Deteriorating health conditions as a result of the
HIV/AIDS pandemic and teenage pregnancy-related problems coupled with
inadequate youth-friendly health services. Early sexual activity, unwanted
pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, unsafe abortions
etc. all contribute to deteriorating health conditions.
HIV/AIDS pandemic and teenage pregnancy-related problems coupled with
inadequate youth-friendly health services. Early sexual activity, unwanted
pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, unsafe abortions
etc. all contribute to deteriorating health conditions.
· Lack of experience and exposure, family breakdown,
lack of appropriate role models, and lack of youth centered development
programmes are mentioned as problems.
lack of appropriate role models, and lack of youth centered development
programmes are mentioned as problems.
· Most youth do not seek out reproductive health
services until they have become pregnant or contracted a sexually transmitted
disease.
services until they have become pregnant or contracted a sexually transmitted
disease.
How do you identify
youngsters that could benefit from your initiatives?
youngsters that could benefit from your initiatives?
Our target group is people aged between 10 – 35 years which can also
exceed in circumstances were we train those institutions or organisations that
work with these age groups and engage us to train the trainers. Youngsters are identified
as follows:
exceed in circumstances were we train those institutions or organisations that
work with these age groups and engage us to train the trainers. Youngsters are identified
as follows:
–
An institution/individual/youth group approach us seeking our services
An institution/individual/youth group approach us seeking our services
–
we approach schools primary and secondary and volunteer our
services/resources
we approach schools primary and secondary and volunteer our
services/resources
–
Founding members or secretariat identify a need among a group of youths
and approach relevant authorities offering their services to the group or
institutions
Founding members or secretariat identify a need among a group of youths
and approach relevant authorities offering their services to the group or
institutions
–
Our training buddies can identify a gap in youths and recommend us to
the group or the youths to us
Our training buddies can identify a gap in youths and recommend us to
the group or the youths to us
–
We advertise trainings
We advertise trainings
Our activities are supported cash/kind by:
–
The founding member’s personal savings
The founding member’s personal savings
–
Training Buddies
Training Buddies
–
Friends of Elevation Zimbabwe(ElevationZw)
Friends of Elevation Zimbabwe(ElevationZw)
–
Institutions seeking training
Institutions seeking training
What are the main
features of your trainings?
features of your trainings?
Pre – Training
For every training or
engagement we hold an assessment meeting with the financier or custodian to establish their desired end objective
engagement we hold an assessment meeting with the financier or custodian to establish their desired end objective
We issue a pre – training needs assessment questionnaire that will be
filled by the participants if they are known. If not we will establish these by
collecting demographic information (age group/gender/duty) from the custodian
filled by the participants if they are known. If not we will establish these by
collecting demographic information (age group/gender/duty) from the custodian
The timetable and training content are designed
Training
Before content is delivered the trainers come up with a participants
profile which leads to after the training.
profile which leads to after the training.
We
encourage learning by doing activities which
make a participatory system approach the key difference between our
interventions. Each participant must be able to complete and check each item
from a task list, which they will start with from the day’s activity roaster.
Our training’s main feature is on self-awareness
as we believe the rest fall into the jigsaw when one is aware of their ability.
There are individual exercises that will culminate into team exercises.
encourage learning by doing activities which
make a participatory system approach the key difference between our
interventions. Each participant must be able to complete and check each item
from a task list, which they will start with from the day’s activity roaster.
Our training’s main feature is on self-awareness
as we believe the rest fall into the jigsaw when one is aware of their ability.
There are individual exercises that will culminate into team exercises.
We use a
lot of non-participatory techniques during the training; we even allocate the
participants with
responsibilities of running some components of the training along with the
facilitators (this will rotate among the participants). Other techniques we
employ
lot of non-participatory techniques during the training; we even allocate the
participants with
responsibilities of running some components of the training along with the
facilitators (this will rotate among the participants). Other techniques we
employ
Writing
in reflection
in reflection
Brainstorming
Games
Song
Drawing/painting
Story
telling
telling
Acting
Quiz
Testimonies
Role
playing
playing
Team
building activities
building activities
Outdoor
physical activities
physical activities
As we
slowly introduce team activities we start working on the formation of teams,
blending individual traits. The participants will eventually come up with
individual and team action plans
slowly introduce team activities we start working on the formation of teams,
blending individual traits. The participants will eventually come up with
individual and team action plans
Post – Training
Support
offered after 6 months and linkages to training buddies for coaching purposes.
offered after 6 months and linkages to training buddies for coaching purposes.
I am
more knowledgeable and more determined to work on my weaknesses and become a
truly inspirational leaders and role model—Mellisa
Mashiki, Hillcrest College School Prefect 2014
more knowledgeable and more determined to work on my weaknesses and become a
truly inspirational leaders and role model—Mellisa
Mashiki, Hillcrest College School Prefect 2014
“I
have participated at numerous trainings, but I had not come across such an
approach. You managed to get us to relax, enjoy yet deal with issues affecting
our team. I am really impressed, amazed”, Evans
Magumise, Simukai Child Protection
have participated at numerous trainings, but I had not come across such an
approach. You managed to get us to relax, enjoy yet deal with issues affecting
our team. I am really impressed, amazed”, Evans
Magumise, Simukai Child Protection
“Thank
you for sharing an advert on your platform, I applied was called for an
interview and today I am attached to the organisation. Thank you so much”, Bveke, Student on attachment
you for sharing an advert on your platform, I applied was called for an
interview and today I am attached to the organisation. Thank you so much”, Bveke, Student on attachment
What has the
impact of your activities been so far?
impact of your activities been so far?
Elevation Zimbabwe does not operate in a vacuum; we believe in
synergies, thus we work closely with like-minded institutions/organisations to
support the development of young people.
We thrive on creating an enviable portfolio of service delivery,
practice development and network support.
synergies, thus we work closely with like-minded institutions/organisations to
support the development of young people.
We thrive on creating an enviable portfolio of service delivery,
practice development and network support.
Through direct contact ElevationZw has directly reached 628 young people
between 2014 – 2016 using ElevationZw methodology or design;
between 2014 – 2016 using ElevationZw methodology or design;
82 prefects trained in leadership
52 in school club presidents induction
290 self-awareness seminars
25 team building
54 Mutare urban and rural child parliamentarian induction
25 career readiness training including Resume development with 5 having
found employment
found employment
10 primary school pupils supported in school fees
90 young professionals and students’ network
In the same period our message has reached to 3700 secondary
beneficiaries, through social media.
beneficiaries, through social media.
We have collaborated and shared resources with Youth Boundless Zimbabwe
(prefects training development), For Girls By Women (Menstrual Health
Management), MushWorld (Mushroom training of young people to view mushroom as a
low capital project)
(prefects training development), For Girls By Women (Menstrual Health
Management), MushWorld (Mushroom training of young people to view mushroom as a
low capital project)
