By Tichaona Mataruse
A new digital innovation hub opened at Gwai Valley Primary School in Hwange on Wednesday last week, promising to equip young people from surrounding communities with technology skills while strengthening conservation efforts in one of Zimbabwe’s key wildlife landscapes.
The Uncommon Painted Dog Conservation Innovation Hub, established through a partnership between Uncommon.org and Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), will provide training in computer literacy and software development, creating new opportunities for young people to participate in the digital economy.
More than 35 youths are already enrolled in the programme.
Officially opening the hub, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo, described the initiative as an investment in the province’s future, saying it demonstrates how conservation can deliver tangible benefits to local communities beyond protecting wildlife.
“This initiative goes beyond conserving our natural heritage. It is also about investing in our young people by giving them skills that will enable them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy,” Moyo said.
He said conservation should be viewed as a shared responsibility involving government, communities, development partners and conservation organisations.
Moyo also urged communities to reject poaching and other illegal activities that threaten wildlife, saying protecting biodiversity also safeguards tourism, jobs and livelihoods.
“I encourage every member of our communities to shun poaching and all forms of illegal exploitation of wildlife. Protecting our wildlife is not about protecting animals alone; it is about protecting tourism, jobs and the future of our province and our nation,” he said.
The innovation hub is expected to give rural learners and young people access to technology and digital learning opportunities that are often unavailable in remote communities.
The project also highlights a growing shift in conservation, where organisations are increasingly combining wildlife protection with education, skills development and community empowerment to ensure local people benefit directly from conservation initiatives.