ENGLISH ACCESS MICRO-SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

It is funded by the US Embassy and has been implemented in Bulawayo since 2012

The English Access Micro Scholarship Program is funded by the US Embassy and has been implemented in Bulawayo since 2012. It is a program that provides a foundation of English language skills to 13 to 18 year old students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through after school and intensive programming. Students from high density schools take part in face to face classes, leadership skills training, Computer classes, Debate, Art and self-expression (music, dance, puppetry and poetry), Career guidance, exchange trips, essay and quiz competitions, Community service and Social entrepreneurship group projects.

The objective of the program is to develop a critical thinking student, build confidence amongst the selected students and develop a culture of students giving back to their communities.To date, 5 students have visited the USA through a dynamic leadership exchange programs known as the Pan African Youth Leadership Program, one of the students has now been enrolled as an undergraduate student studying Law at Pamona University in the USA. Most of the students have leadership positions in the Junior Council, Junior Parliament due to the capacity building they have received from the program.

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NUST Career Guidance Trips

he students are guided in terms of subject combination at Advanced level in order to study certain degree programs. They learn that the university has also introduced medicine to cater for more students so that the students do not perceive the University of Zimbabwe as the only institution that offers this kind of study. The students are also taken on a tour of the campus so as to appreciate the different disciplines being offered within the university. This results in increased exposure to Career guidance opportunities and further study opportunities for the students who have not had this opportunity.

Pan African Youth Leadership Program

the Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program is a component of the Access program with funds permitting. It is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs under special circumstances and brings mixed-country delegations of high school students and adult mentors to the United States to explore themes such as entrepreneurship, the environment and public health. This youth exchange program for Africa is designed to promote high-quality leadership, civic responsibility and civic engagement through entrepreneurship among future leaders. The participants are chosen based on demonstration of leadership skills, interest in community engagement and open-mindedness.

HOCIC students, Mzimkhulu Mbele and Annie Gwishiri from Luveve High School, Rachel Mabvurunge from Mpopoma High and Nkosiyapha Mpande from Sizane high had the priviledge of being part of this dynamic youth leadership program. The students benefitted from a series of workshops on social entrepreneurship and two weeks of living with American host families. These are not the only students to benefit from this initiative as Brian Sibanda(part of cohort 1 in 2013) a former student at Maranatha High School also went to the USA in 2014 and is now enrolled as an International Relations under graduate student at Pomona University in the USA.

More Programs 

Intensive Session At Masiye Camp

This retreat camp is an intensive summer school in a child friendly environment (Masiye Camp) with adventure based learning activities. It takes 5 days and students attended face to face classes, conversation and drama classes and take part in activities that increase their confidence and self-esteem. The students also start preparations for the Exit Launch where the students present promising acts which show a lot of growth and maturity. Activities also included Zip lining, mountain climbing and canoeing.

Hts And Drug Abuse Awareness Program

During 2016 and 2017 HOCIC implemented the Youths in school program in partnership with NAC. Youths are very vulnerable to contracting HIV as they find themselves prone to engaging in activities such as “vuzu parties” which have been an urgent matter of concern in Bulawayo. In partnership with the National AIDS Council as well as the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, HOCIC implemented the HIV Testing Sensitisation (HTS) meetings and Drug Abuse Awareness Programme in Bulawayo’s high density suburbs schools (Magwegwe and Emakhande District) in order to respond to this challenge. A total of 7686 children were reached in high density schools of Bulawayo

Vocational Skills Training For Out Of School Youths

Under the NAP for OVC 1 the organisation trained over 500 out of school youths in vocational skills training in a variety of courses that included motor mechanic, auto electrical, hair dressing, dressmaking, welding and brick laying. This has become a source of livelihood for over 50% of the trained youths