From Street Life to Solar Panel Dreams
In Zimbabwe, young people who once faced uncertain futures on the streets or in early marriages are now finding hope and opportunity. Through the efforts of Simukai, a partner organization supported by IM, these youth are receiving vocational training that not only opens doors to employment but also contributes to a greener future. Join us in Mutare, where young people are training to become solar panel installers.
Twenty-one-year-old Natasha Rakoma expertly tightens an electrical box to the wall. Behind her, Wisdom Samupindi and Trinity Mutukwa work skillfully with cables rising from the floor. The three wear blue overalls embroidered with the IM logo, while their mentor, Michael Chitombo, observes and offers guidance in a bright red t-shirt.
The unfinished brick building they’re working in sits on the outskirts of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s fourth-largest city. The scent of plaster and construction dust lingers in the air, and the window openings are temporarily covered with plastic. Solar panels installed on the roof will soon power the building, and it’s the youth’s task to complete the internal wiring that connects everything.
Local Craftsmen as Mentors
Natasha, Wisdom, and Trinity are part of the Green Empowerment Project aimed at equipping vulnerable youth with vocational skills. In this case, they are training to become solar panel installers. The initiative, led by Simukai and funded by IM, offers a lifeline to young people from challenging backgrounds.
“Many of the youth in our program had to drop out of school because their families were extremely poor,” explains Ebenezer Mutema from Simukai. “Some lived on the streets, at risk of falling into drug use or crime. This program gives them a second chance.”
Simukai’s six-month training model pairs youth with local craftsmen who act as mentors, teaching both theory and practical skills. Each mentor works with three or four trainees. While the mentors aren’t salaried, they receive tools—and a helping hand.
Michael Chitombo, an electrician mentoring Natasha, Wisdom, and Trinity, sees clear benefits to his role.
“I enjoy teaching them. They’re eager to learn and sharp. They’ve become so skilled that jobs that used to take me a week now take just two days because of their help.”
A Growing Opportunity for Women
Currently, the program has four women and 21 men training to become solar panel installers. Ebenezer notes that many women initially view the field as male-dominated. However, seeing female graduates already securing jobs is beginning to change perspectives.
Natasha, tucking her screwdriver into a pocket of her overalls, brushes off her hands and steps forward to share her thoughts.
“Do I enjoy this? Absolutely! I love working with this team. My dream is to become so skilled that I can mentor other youth myself.”
She believes the training has transformed her future and her family’s.
“Without Simukai, I’d probably be working as a day laborer. My parents are poor, but now they’re so proud of me. With these skills, I can secure a stable job and support my whole family.”
Trinity, 23, and Wisdom, 24, nod in agreement as they take a break.
“Without this program, I’d probably be on the streets, using drugs, or even in jail,” says Trinity. “Now, I’m out of danger. People are already calling me to do electrical installations for them!”
“Thank you to IM and Simukai for this opportunity,” adds Wisdom. “We’ve all discovered a passion for this work, and it’s keeping us on the right path in life.”
Champions for Sustainable Development
Ebenezer highlights the broader benefits of the program.
“All our vocational programs aim to provide youth with a safe, secure future in multiple ways. Not only do they gain skills for employment, but they also learn about renewable energy and sustainable development. They take this knowledge back to their communities, becoming ambassadors for climate-smart solutions. This is how we build a resilient society capable of facing the climate crisis.”
Amid laughter and friendly banter, the youth return to their work. Through this program, they’ve not only been given a fresh start in life but have also become part of the solution for a sustainable future. Their journey is proof that investing in young people can transform lives and communities alike.
By: Malin Kihlström