First Lady and Huawei partnership benefits more varsity ICT students
Blessings Chidakwa
Information Communication Technology (ICT) students drawn from universities across the country are set to embark on an incredible journey to enhance their skills at Leap Digital Study Camp in Shenzhen, China, courtesy of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa and Huawei partnership.
In 2022, through the same partnership, 30 students from the country’s universities were also granted an opportunity to sharpen their skills under the Huawei Seeds for the Future programme of which First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa is the patron.
The “Seeds for the Future” programme is Huawei’s biggest global flagship corporate social responsibility programme, which seeks to develop local ICT talent, enhance knowledge transfer, and promote a greater understanding of the telecommunications sector among youths in countries where the company operates from.
Huawei, one of the world’s biggest providers of ICT infrastructure and smart devices, is working closely with Dr Mnangagwa to help local ICT professionals and students fill gaps between theory and practice and master the required skills in the ICT sector.
In her speech at the send-off ceremony held at her Zimbabwe House offices in Harare, Dr Mnangagwa implored the students to lift the country’s flag high.
The students were accompanied by officials from Huawei Zimbabwe and its managing director, who said was charmed by Dr Mnangagwa’s desire to improve and promote the lives of youths.
The First Lady said the send-off ceremony was a significant moment for those that will represent the nation at the LEAP digital study.
Amai Mnangagwa said the selection of students was a true reflection that her programmes encompass all leaving no one and no place behind, urging the students to utilise the golden opportunity that has been availed to them.
“We have worked with Huawei for so many years and are still there, working with Zimbabwe and particularly my office.
“SaAmai, I will tell you that when you get opportunities like this you don’t play, but make sure they develop you and when you come back you will be developed and impart the knowledge to other students,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said she was filled with pride and optimism for the future of Zimbabwe’s ICT students.
“I wish to take a moment to acknowledge the partnership we have with Huawei Technologies, the unwavering commitment, the digitalisation of Zimbabwe has not only fostered technological advancement but has also opened the door for our youths.
“While the youth have collaborated with various ministries, departments and agencies promoting digitalisation, talent development and economic growth all crucial elements aligned with Zimbabwe’s vision 2030,” she said.
The First Lady said His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe Dr Mnangagwa visited Huawei in September where a memorandum of understanding was signed to redefine the country’s digitisation partnership with the organisation.
“This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of a prosperous and digitally advanced Zimbabwe,” she said.
Amai Mnangagwa who is the Patron of Culture and Heritage, challenged the students to be well behaved during their stay in the foreign land.
“Ubuntu is part of us, respect, dedication and commitment. When you go there, do your studies. Some of you it is your first time to leave Zimbabwe so please be in your best behaviour. Don’t embarrass me, your family and the nation. You should come back and develop Zimbabwe,” she said.
The First Lady also added that: “China is serious in terms of development and we have a long history with it, we should not break that bond. Last group won, please do likewise.”
Dr Mnangagwa also expressed gratitude to the ICT equipment donated to her.
Huawei Zimbabwe managing director, Mr Yang Shengwan, challenged the students to raise the flag of Zimbabwe high and show the world the remarkable talent that the nation possesses.
“Such a programme is not only a contribution to the country, but also, we are benefiting from it. We also need young ICT talents. As for the First Lady, she is showing strong appreciation to young people.
“It is also very important to get her guidance to guide us to work together. This is a long-term programme we are promoting in the country,” he said.
Mr Shengwan said the intention is to transform the knowledge and skills of young people to train more ICT talents.
“All of us know that ICT and digitalisation are very important. It is one of the pillars of the national economy. It is also fully guided by the Vision 2030. Now, Huawei is the leader of the global ICT industry.
“We are ready and eager to cooperate with Zimbabwe to fulfil this vision, ensuring that the youth of today are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in the digital age. We have been operating in the country for more than 25 years.”
Mr Shengwan said they are championing the LEAP programme designed specifically to nurture local talent and support Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.
“We are also partnering with the First Lady for ICT academy, ICT competition, and also other training programmes. For example, technology for women. We are trying to explore more programmes to help.
“Before the end of this month, we are going to start a new programme. This programme we have not studied before. We named it Digital Track. Currently, the programme is covering the majority of urban areas in cities,” he said.
Mr Shengwan said through Digital Track, they are able to promote ICT knowledge and skills to the upcountry, outside of Huawei, and also other urban areas.
He said the students are not only ambassadors of their own potential but also of Zimbabwe’s bright digital future.
“Huawei has long been a committed partner of the Government of Zimbabwe, working hand in hand to foster a collaborative environment that promotes innovation and technological advancement,” he said.
“We firmly believe that investing in local talent is fundamental to achieving sustainable growth and development.”
He said their partnership is aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, a vision that aims to elevate the nation into an upper-middle-income economy through digitalisation and innovation.
“To the students embarking on this incredible journey, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity, learn from your experiences, and return with the knowledge that will help shape Zimbabwe’s digital landscape.”
As part of technological transfer, he also handed over smart screens by Huawei Technologies to the First Lady.
“These screens symbolise our ongoing commitment to enhancing educational resources and technology access in Zimbabwe.
“We believe that by providing such tools, we can further empower the next generation of leaders and innovators,” he said.
An ecstatic, National University of Science and Technology student Samantha Gwazireni also thanked the First Lady for availing her a wonderful opportunity to be trained by Huawei.
“Our mother, the First Lady, taught us to shy away from all bad stuff that put our names and that of Zimbabwe and China into disrepute. We share a bond with China so we must not break it because of some mischievous acts. We pledge to be well mannered as we were taught by our mother,” she said.
A Chinhoyi University of Technology student, Donnelly Anesu Zhou, said being selected was a huge honour leaping praises on Dr Mnangagwa.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to study in China and be imparted with knowledge such that we come back to our country and develop it. We have the Vision 2030 which we cannot achieve if we do not have technology inclusion.
“I believe that Huawei has given us an opportunity to develop ourselves such that we come back to our country and then partake in this glorious vision,” he said.
A University of Zimbabwe student Eugene Madzivanyika said was ready to exchange notes on what he would have learnt with local peers.
“Everything that I am going to learn in China will benefit not only myself, but my nation. This is a great opportunity for all of us going to China.
“We are really grateful to our First Lady for this wonderful opportunity,” he said.
A Catholic University of Zimbabwe student Nokutenda Chinamasa said the opportunity would be a turning point for her life.
“The First Lady was very frank to us speaking in a motherly way on how we should behave. If we are well behaved it means brand Zimbabwe will be uplifted,” she said.
“We want to represent our mother, Amai Mnangagwa well and make her proud.”
Another University of Zimbabwe student Shalome Kandira was also grateful to Amai Mnangagwa for the opportunity to go represent Zimbabwe.
“I really appreciate her advice on Ubuntu. It is very good since I am carrying the brand Zimbabwe, I will be able to represent my country well. Also, l want to maintain the cordial relations that we already have with China.
“I am grateful for this opportunity that I am going to have personal development that I can then impart to my peers when I come back to Zimbabwe,” she said.
The First Lady through her Angel of Hope Foundation has remained committed to the total transformation and empowerment of youths. – Herald