Technology education is about more than teaching code; it's about helping young people discover their unique talents and passions within the vast digital landscape. At our Innovation Hubs across Zimbabwe, we see students light up when they find that perfect intersection of their natural abilities and technological possibilities. This journey, shared by one of our bootcamp graduates who discovered their calling in digital marketing and design, represents what happens when opportunity meets potential. Through your support, we're not just training students in technical skills, we're helping them uncover career paths they never knew existed and building the confidence they need to pursue them.

Nomsa Gatsheni's Story:

Growing up, I always enjoyed working with computers in school, but I never realized how much more I could do with them beyond basic tasks. That all changed when I joined Uncommon.org. The program opened my eyes to the endless possibilities within the tech world, particularly in graphic design and digital marketing.

Discovering a New World

Before Uncommon, I had no idea how deep the field of digital marketing could be, or how creative and powerful graphic design could be in shaping brands and influencing audiences. I knew how to use a computer for simple tasks – writing documents, browsing the internet, sending emails – but I had never considered that I could create things that would make an impact.

During the first few months of the bootcamp, we were introduced to different tech specializations. The moment we started exploring design and marketing concepts, something clicked for me. It felt like discovering a hidden talent I never knew I had.

Building Real Skills

Through Uncommon's hands-on learning approach, I developed a strong foundation in tools like Canva and Figma, while also gaining essential knowledge in web development languages like HTML, CSS, WordPress, and JavaScript.

What made the difference was how we learned – not from textbooks, but by working on real projects. I designed social media campaigns, built landing pages, and created brand identities for local businesses. Each project built my confidence and expanded my portfolio.

My instructors didn't just teach technical skills; they showed us how to think strategically. They pushed us to understand audiences, craft compelling messages, and measure the impact of our work – skills that employers actually care about.

Finding My Purpose

Uncommon not only gave me the technical skills but also helped me discover a newfound passion for both design and marketing. It showed me how I could combine creativity with strategy to help brands connect with people in meaningful ways.

The mentorship program paired me with a professional marketing executive who helped me understand what a career in this field really looks like. Their guidance helped me refine my skills in the areas that mattered most for employment.

The Transformation

I went from a person who had basic computer knowledge to a confident digital marketing specialist with a clear career path. When I look at my work now compared to six months ago, the difference is incredible. I can build complete digital campaigns, design compelling visuals, and create websites that drive results.

What's most valuable isn't just what I can do – it's knowing what I want to do. Uncommon.org truly helped me find my passion and empowered me to pursue it with purpose. It's been life-changing, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me.

Now, when I help local businesses improve their online presence, I'm not just applying technical skills – I'm fulfilling the purpose I discovered through Uncommon.org.