Earlier this month we celebrated the graduation of 17 student interns from the Zimbabwe Career Connect Internship Program. The interns worked with Zimbabwean companies and organisations, marking the 10th year of Zimbabwe Career Connect partnering Zimbabwean and refugee students studying abroad with local companies for educational and career-building internships.
The interns were partnered with 13 local organizations and completed impactful projects for the organizations and local communities. 15 interns returned to Zimbabwe and worked on site with their organizations, while 2 interns collaborated remotely with their partner organization.
Interns gained invaluable experience working on ongoing projects and learning more about the organization, as well as the work culture in Zimbabwe. Interns also implemented and worked on a project for change at their work site to further support their learning and create lasting change.
“I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Uncommon.org through Zimbabwe Career Connect program, an experience that has left me not only more skilled, but more inspired about the role of technology in transforming lives…This internship has been a confidence-building journey, teaching me not only technical skills, but also teamwork, adaptability, and leadership.” – Daisy Tsenesa – Intern at Uncommon
“This work not only allowed me to explore the therapeutic potential of traditionally used medicinal plants but also deepened my passion for bridging natural product research with modern biomedical innovation”
Rosemary Moyo – Intern at African Institute of Biomedical Science & Technology (AIBST)
“I’m taking with me the focus on users, the balance between speed & reliability, the value of collaboration, and the importance of starting with the basics. This wasn’t just an internship; it was a foundation shaping how I’ll build, design, and think about tech moving forward. I’m grateful for this experience.”
Linos Darikai – Intern at Innbucks
“This project stretched every skill I’ve picked up; from graphic design and copywriting, to critical thinking and problem-solving…I am grateful for the freedom I was given, the trust placed in my hands, and the chance to leave behind a product that matters.”
Pfungwa Chipuru – Intern at Ascon Africa
“This experience has deepened my passion for renewable energy and strengthened my resolve to be part of Africa’s sustainable energy future.”
Thandeka Kurwakumire – Intern at Solar Energy Projects
“I am glad to say that I have been part of their team, involving myself in their day to day activities including site planning, structural design, modelling and analysis…As a USAP Community School Alumni from Class of 2021, I have also witnessed, directly, the construction of phase two for the school and I am happy that I was part of the Engineering firm working on the project.”
Trymore Kunjenjema – Intern at Nyirenda Engineering
The Zimbabwe Career Connect Internship Program focuses on providing internship opportunities for Zimbabwean and refugee students studying abroad. During their 3-month vacation periods, second and third-year students studying in countries like the U.S., Canada, India, Rwanda, Ghana, and many more are matched with Zimbabwean companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for hands-on, experiential learning for a period of two to three months. These internships allow students to gain valuable practical experience, apply their international education, and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s development.
Education Matters is an Africa Career Network Affiliate, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. This partnership enables Education Matters’ Zimbabwe Career Connect program to offer internships, graduate traineeships, and job placements opportunities for internationally educated Zimbabweans. Mastercard Scholars, alumni, and ALA alumni are encouraged to apply to the ZCC program. Together, we create impactful career pathways across Zimbabwe and Africa.
Congratulations to my friend Rebecca Zeigler-Mano and her staff for graduating the new class of interns in the Career Connect Program! And what an outstanding milestone for the program’s 10th anniversary!