The recent workshop on Cloud, Cyber Security, and Well-being for Persons with Disabilities took place at Tamarind Lodge in Kariba, focusing on empowering individuals in Mashonaland West Province. Organized and sponsored by POTRAZ in partnership Internet Society (ISOC), the event aimed to enhance digital literacy and security awareness among participants with disabilities.
Facilitators provided valuable insights into cloud technologies, emphasizing their accessibility and potential benefits for personal and professional growth. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions, learning about essential cyber security practices to protect their online presence. Additionally, discussions on mental well-being highlighted the importance of digital tools in fostering community connections and support.
The workshop successfully created a platform for participants to share experiences, network, and gain confidence in navigating the digital landscape, ultimately promoting greater inclusion and empowerment for persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe.
The Inaugural Internet of Things (IoT) Community Zimbabwe Conference yielded the following outcomes:
1. The conference facilitated meaningful collaborations among the Government, Industry, and technology enthusiasts to explore the potential of IoT technology in Zimbabwe. This resulted in insightful discussions and partnerships within the IoT sector.
2. The conference featured case studies highlighting the current trends in physical IoT applications. As a result, the industry expressed its commitment to collaborate with other sectors such as Agriculture, Transport, Mining, and Smart Cities to further advance the exploration of IoT technology.
3 .The Zimbabwean Government demonstrated its embrace of IoT technology in the country’s digital transformation. The Government officials pledged to introduce favourable policies that will regulate the adoption and deployment of IoT devices. These policies aim to drive the economy towards a digital future. The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, who served as the Guest of Honor, made this commitment.
4.The conference fostered the exchange of ideas and valuable information among industry leaders, software developers, ICT players, academia, and the Government. This signifies a significant milestone in unlocking the potential of IoT technology in Zimbabwe.
5. In line with the conference’s objectives, the Minister officially launched the IoT Community. The members of this technical community have agreed to collaborate on IoT projects, with a commitment to deliver them by July 2024. These projects aim to enhance the overall success and impact of the conference.
Our project significantly enhanced the presence of the Internet Society Zimbabwe Chapter within the community and region through several key initiatives:
1. Engagement with Local Stakeholders
By organizing the Digital Education Indaba, we brought together education officials, industry leaders, teachers, and learners. This collaborative environment fostered meaningful discussions and established our Chapter as a facilitator of critical conversations about digital education and AI.
2. Visibility through Events
Hosting a prominent event like the Indaba raised our Chapter’s profile. Media coverage and social media engagement during the event highlighted our efforts, showcasing our commitment to advancing technology in education.
3. Collaboration with Educational Institutions
Partnering with schools and universities to promote the event created stronger ties with educational institutions. This collaboration allowed us to advocate for digital literacy and AI integration, reinforcing our role as a leader in the digital space.
4. Empowering Local Talent
The inclusion of learner showcases allowed young innovators to present their AI-driven solutions. This not only empowered students but also demonstrated our Chapter’s support for local talent, positioning us as a champion of the next generation of tech leaders.
5. Networking Opportunities
The Indaba provided a platform for networking among various stakeholders, including educators, tech professionals, and policymakers. This networking fostered partnerships and collaborations that extend beyond the event, further embedding our Chapter in the community.
6. Ongoing Support and Resources
Following the event, we committed to providing ongoing support and resources for participants, including workshops and training sessions. This initiative underscores our Chapter’s dedication to continuous learning and community development.
Our project was vital in raising the profile and footprint of the Zimbabwe Internet Society (ISOC) Chapter in the national and regional environment. By producing a functional toolkit aimed at enhancing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which make up over 60% of economically active service industry population in Zimbabwe we addressed a pressing digital capacity building and skills demand for entrepreneurs. These SMEs are the engines of the country’s economic growth, but they typically fail to keep up with the evolving digital landscape and leverage technology in their favor.
The toolkit that we have created is a step-by-step guide that enables SMEs to create their digital processes, get more efficient, and capitalize on new opportunities in a constantly changing economic environment. It was designed to be readable and actionable by entrepreneurs and business professionals across different industries, particularly in the service sector, where digital tools can significantly improve the provision of services, customer experience, and scalability of the business.
In order to ensure that the toolkit was relevant and accessible, we piloted it through a cycle of focus groups and stakeholder feedback consultations / workshops in Zimbabwe’s northern (Harare) and southern (Bulawayo) regions. This not only ensured that the toolkit was sensitive to the different needs of businesses across the country but also generated a sense of ownership and engagement among regional stakeholders. The exercise of validation also aimed at simplifying the toolkit further in order to more effectively cater to the very particular needs of SMEs operating elsewhere, extending further its coverage and range.
Through this project, we solidified the image of the Zimbabwe ISOC Chapter as a driving force for digital inclusivity and economic empowerment in Zimbabwe. By providing SMEs with the skills and competence to leverage digital technologies, we have not just assisted in growing and solidifying local enterprises but also ensured the Chapter’s place in shaping the digital destiny of Zimbabwe’s economy.
The IoT Apiary Analytics project for rural farmers in Mashonaland East has significantly enhanced the presence and engagement of the Zimbabwe Internet Society Chapter within the Marondera rural community. By integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology with beekeeping practices, the project provided farmers with real-time data on hive conditions, enabling them to optimize honey production, improve their livelihoods and getting connected to the internet facilities at the same time.
This initiative not only empowered local farmers but also fostered a greater awareness of the benefits of digital technology in agriculture. As farmers began to see tangible improvements in their practices, the Zimbabwe Internet Society Chapter capitalized on this momentum to conduct workshops and training sessions, educating the community about the potential of the Internet and IoT with the agriculture sector especially for the rural farmers.
The project also facilitated the establishment of a network of local farmers, and students from Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) all working towards a common goal of enhancing agricultural productivity through technology. As a result, the Chapter’s visibility and influence grew, leading to increased membership by 40 members from the community, 20 students and active participation in community events. Ultimately, the success of the IoT Apiary Analytics projects not only transformed agricultural practices but also solidified the Zimbabwe Internet Society Chapter’s role as a pivotal force in promoting digital literacy and innovation in rural Mashonaland East.
The EmpowerZim Women project aims to conduct in-depth research to identify and analyze the barriers women in Zimbabwe face regarding internet access and digital literacy. This initiative spans five provinces: Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Masvingo, Mashonaland West, and Manicaland. By understanding these challenges, the project seeks to inform targeted programs and raise awareness through stakeholder engagement, public workshops, and digital campaigns.
The project is structured in two phases, with Phase 1 focusing on research and evidence generation. The primary objective is to identify specific needs and challenges faced by women. This phase begins with a call for five enumerators, one from each province, followed by a two-week training and contract signing process.
Data collection involved a mixed-methods approach, targeting 750 women and girls through surveys conducted in community spaces such as government premises, villages, clinics, and schools. Additionally, 20 qualitative interviews were conducted, with four interviews per province to gain deeper insights.
A dedicated researcher will analyze the collected data and produce a comprehensive report within one month of data collection. This report will guide future initiatives and inform stakeholders about the pressing issues surrounding women’s access to digital resources. Through this project, we aim to empower women and promote digital literacy, ultimately driving positive change in their communities.
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