We sat down with our Country Director, Michelle G. and had a conversation about the work, the people, and what keeps her going.

Here's what she had to say.

1. What’s a moment from the last year that reminded you exactly why you do this work?

I wouldn’t point to one single moment. It’s been a series of affirmations. We see it in the encouragement and alignment from our strategic partners, particularly the ministries we work alongside as part of a broader national ecosystem. We saw it through international engagements like the AIDN Tour last year, where we profiled our work and received strong confirmation that what we’re building is both relevant and future-focused. The continued support that has grown from these connections is a powerful reminder, every single day, that this work matters and deserves to be shared with the world.

2. What do people get wrong about young people in Zimbabwe?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that without access to university education, young people cannot succeed or dream boldly. That simply isn’t true. At Uncommon.org, we believe that potential is not defined by formal educational pathways. Regardless of background or prior opportunity, every young person deserves the chance to dream and to build a future they can be proud of. That belief is at the heart of why we exist.

3. What does it actually feel like to watch someone graduate from the Bootcamp, knowing where they started?

It’s exhilarating. It’s like watching a child grow, except we witness that transformation over just 12 months. Many of our students arrive with little or no exposure to technology, some from rural backgrounds. Seeing their growth is extraordinary.

At our 2025 graduation in Victoria Falls, for example, the valedictorian came from a strictly rural setting and had never used a computer before joining us. She rose to the top of her class. Watching her journey, seeing her confidence grow and her sense of possibility expand, was incredibly powerful. Moments like that remind us that when young people are given opportunity, their potential is limitless.

4. Zimbabwe is moving fast. What excites you most about where technology education is headed in the next five years?

It’s inspiring to be part of a national ecosystem that recognises the importance of technology in shaping the future. We see this clearly reflected in Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 2, where education technology is positioned as a key pillar for progress.

We are especially encouraged by the strong alignment among our government partners, including the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training. This shared vision creates real momentum and ensures that the work we are doing remains both relevant and impactful.

5. What would you say to someone who is thinking about supporting Uncommon but hasn’t taken the leap yet?

Come and see the work in action. Step into our world. Once you witness the transformation happening here, it changes how you see what’s possible.

We are changing lives, one student at a time through our Bootcamp, one teacher at a time through our teacher training programmes, and one school at a time through the coding education we bring into classrooms. When you see that impact firsthand, supporting this work becomes an easy decision!