A BOUT 27 000 youths aged between 15 and 19 in Zimbabwe and Tanzania are set to benefit from a US$750 000 grant from the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF).
The grant is meant to launch the “Leading and Learning with Project Management” initiative, a three-year project, that will equip the youth with essential management skills, enhancing their economic, social and personal development.
CARE Zimbabwe country director Walter Mwasaa said the project would also benefit 111 teachers, school principals and other stakeholders who would undergo project management training and certification.
“The “Leading and Learning with Project Management” initiative will integrate project management principles into CARE’s existing Youth Savings and Loan Associations in Tanzania and guidance and counselling classes in Zimbabwe.
“This innovative approach will provide youth with practical experience in planning and executing small-scale enterprises, thereby enhancing their leadership, financial literacy and life skills,” he said.
In Zimbabwe, a grant allocation of $300 585 will be utilised in collaboration with the Primary and Secondary Education ministry, to integrate project management into guidance and counselling classes in 20 schools.
“The goal is to enhance youths' access to extracurricular learning opportunities that foster their leadership and life skills,” he said.
“With over 50% of Tanzania’s population and 48% of Zimbabwe’s population under the age of 18, there is a critical need to support youth during their transition to adulthood.
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“This project aims to provide the necessary structure and skills to help young people become independent and productive members of their communities.”
He said during the critical period, adolescents needed support that strengthened their capacities, confidence and skills to become productive members of society.
“CARE's programming aims to build knowledge, skills and resilience among young people, enabling them to navigate the broad range of stressors and shocks they face.
“As young people transition from adolescence to adulthood, a project like this will empower them to realise their potential, transform lives and shape their world. It will help them to effectively manage resources while fostering a strong enthusiasm for planning, organising and successfully implementing small-scale enterprises," he said.
Ashley Forsyth, PMIEF director for social impact programmes highlighted his organisation's commitment to training the next generation of project management professionals and entrepreneurs in Africa.
“In 2023, we empowered 2,7 million youth globally with project management skills, with 85 000 coming from sub-Saharan Africa. Thanks to partnerships like CARE, over the next three years we will impact over 750 000 youth in sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring aspiring leaders have the skills they need to lead and compete in a global society.”
