The Rafiki Girls Centre is an independent organisation which provides nine month courses to some of Harare’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable young women. On average, Rafiki receives 2 applications for every place it has available. The Centre has two intakes – one in January and one in July – and takes in 60 girls each year. Because of the high demand for places, girls are selected on the basis of need; they all live in extreme poverty and many are also victims of abuse.
The girls are all between the age of 17 and 25. In the first three months they take introductory courses, which include: Business Communication; Leadership; Time Management; Introduction to Computers; HIV & AIDS Awareness; Health & Hygiene; Choose Freedom; and Bible Knowledge.
In the second six months, each girl picks their own specific path and receives specialist training. Specialist courses include: Cutting and Design; Interior Design; Hotel & Catering; Preschool Teacher Training; Nurse Aid; and Cosmetology.
The formal education system does not cater for those who do not excel in academia. Through these courses, we are able to expand livelihood opportunities and empower disadvantaged women.
By challenging the history of gender imbalance in Zimbabwe which degrade women and result in the preference of boy children over girl children in education, Rafiki upholds women’s dignity and promotes gender equality.
YOUNG WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT’ – Providing support, education and vocational training to vulnerable young women.
“It’s a good job and I love it…My life has changed totally from where it was.” Rutendo (real name)
“It really had a big impact because when I started this programme I did not have self-confidence at all, but now I do have because of the life skills that have been taught.” Check name on data doc
‘I am now proud of myself and believe in myself’
”I gained the skills to do small jobs to earn money and also the life skills sharpened my skillset’
Based in the capital city of Harare, Rafiki offer a holistic programme of education, vocational training work experience, counselling and other psychosocial support for vulnerable young women.
Zimbabwe is deeply patriarchal and young women are often excluded from formal education and employment opportunities. We specialise in supporting 17-25 year old women who typically combine multiple vulnerabilities including; living in extreme poverty, incomplete education, single/double orphan, history of abuse, high risk of drugs and/or sex work, living with HIV/AIDS and more. With circumstances largely out of their control these women are often dependant on men or others with little responsibility to care for them, leaving them vulnerable to abuse, exploitation or reliant on unsafe practices in order to get by from day to day. We provide them with a route out of poverty via their own self-sufficiency.
A programme of three parts: Life Skills – Specialism – Work Experience
Phase 1 – Life Skills: Will build up the student’s self-belief, life skills, and basic education, with the aim to improve their confidence and ability to live independently. Classes and workshops cover elements such as; financial planning, business, computer skills, and cooking. We will also educate on human rights and sexual and reproductive health. With two thirds of students deemed as high risk, an important part of the programme is voluntary HIV/AIDS testing, followed up with counselling were appropriate. We also work with the community to educate, reduce the spread of the virus, reverse the stigma and promote people to accept their positive status and get the support they need.
Phase 2 – Specialism: This phase switches from general to specialist, delivering theory and practical training in a subject of choice from; Nurse Aid, Pre-School Teaching, Hotel & Catering, Cutting & Designing, Cosmetology or Interior Design. This specialist vocational training will teach the skills needed to work in the industry. All students get a highly valued certificate (or more depending on the specialism) and with all our specialisms being in sectors with good employment opportunities these really help employers know that the students are ready to work.
Phase 3 – Work Experience: The final phase will provide a work placement with a relevant local employer, to further strengthen employability and understanding of the workplace. Putting skills into practice this cements student’s learning and puts experience on their CV. Broadening their horizons students will come to understand their role in the industry as well as how to work with colleagues as part of a bigger team. Students can now go to job interviews and talk with confidence about the job they’ve done.
For our 2019-22 cohorts, students were asked to score themselves from 1-10 at the start and finish of the programme, they stated an average growth of 164% for Self-Confidence, 176% for Life Skills, and 201% Financial Management.
1,440 beneficiaries supported through this life changing programme.
- A recent count showed a whopping 23% of students being offered a job by their work experience host.
- Around 85% of all our graduates have gone onto access further education or training after graduating from the course. In a country where unemployment is estimated to be as high as 80% and less than 35% of girls complete secondary education, this is a remarkable feat.
VIDEO: ‘Rafiki Girls Center: Empowering Women in Zimbabwe’
Promotional video by The Egmont Trust, one of Rafiki’s main sponsors.
Find Rafiki Girls Centre online
Website: https://rafikigirlscentre.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rafikigirlscentre
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafikigirlscentre/
Twitter: ???