Youth-Led Training Takes Centre Stage in Masvingo

Recognizing the potential of youth as catalysts for technological progress, Zimbabwe Flying Labs places significant emphasis on youth-led training as a cornerstone of its activities. This focus stems from the belief that engaging young minds in emerging technologies such as drones not only cultivates essential skills but also taps into the creativity and energy of the next generation. By providing platforms for youth-led training, Zimbabwe Flying Labs seeks to empower young individuals to take charge of technological innovation. This approach bridges the digital skills gap while nurturing a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth, positioning them as leaders in drone technology and its myriad applications.

The youth-led training initiative in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, took place at a local primary and high school. The workshop was a collaborative effort facilitated by Zimbabwe Flying Labs in partnership with the Africa-Asia Youth Foundation (AAYF), a convergence of progressive African and Asian youths dedicated to fostering collaboration in cultural exchange, social entrepreneurship, science, and technology for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The project involved active participation from AAYF members, showcasing a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and skills. Additionally, enthusiastic youths from the high-density suburbs of Masvingo City actively engaged in the workshop. The program's success was made possible through the support of local partners, including AAYF, and the participation of motivated youth from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating  our collaborative approach to promoting technological education and youth leadership.

The youth-led workshop, hosted at the high school, was a comprehensive exploration of drone technology, engaging students from the school and six external participants from AAYF. The workshop began with an overview, during which participants learned about safe practices for flying drones. A short quiz was conducted to gauge understanding, followed by an in-depth review of the materials provided by ZFL, ensuring participants grasped the fundamental concepts.

The workshop then progressed to a detailed exploration of use cases. Led by the youth, a dynamic discussion unfolded, covering the multifaceted applications of drone technology. This participatory approach enriched the learning experience and encouraged critical thinking and creativity among the participants. A pivotal aspect of the workshop was the hands-on drone mapping exercise. Participants were given the opportunity to engage in simple maneuvers, gaining practical experience in drone operation. They then conducted a mapping activity of the school, applying their newly acquired skills to create a detailed orthomosaic map.

The impact of this training for all stakeholders was evident. The students from the high school gained valuable insights into emerging technologies, potentially sparking interest in STEM fields. The external participants from AAYF acquired practical knowledge, expanding their skill set and understanding of drone applications. The high school itself benefited from the mapped data, which could aid in future planning and development initiatives. Additionally, beyond individual gains, the training contributed to the larger cause of community empowerment. By equipping young minds with cutting-edge technological skills, we can  raise a generation capable of leveraging drones for positive societal impact. 

The youth-led workshop was not without its challenges. However, this only offered us the opportunity to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. Committed to equipping the 100 learners who participated in the workshop with the skills and knowledge they came for, our team came up with creative solutions to the hurdles we encountered, including using hard copies in place of digital resources and alternative mapping tools. We learned valuable lessons in safety culture, checklist utilization, and innovative teaching methodologies. Moving forward, we plan to address electricity issues and refine our technical processes. The experience underscored the importance of flexibility and continuous improvement and will guide future training initiatives for more effective  participant engagement. 

We look forward to engaging with youth across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces, allowing them to explore drone technology. Contact us today for more information.