IVLP Impact Award Project: Bridging the Skills Gap: AI Solutions for Zimbabwe's Education-to-Workforce Pipeline

The project brought together educators, industry leaders, and students to develop AI integration strategies that empower learners and align education with workforce demands. Over three dynamic days, speakers, facilitators, and industry panelists led inspiring discussions on AI in education, practical training, and AI policy development.

The project forged strong partnerships with the National University of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, and ZIMCHE. ZIMCHE launched a national survey to develop AI guidelines for academic institutions in Zimbabwe, showcasing policy-level impact. Over 90 educators, students, and academic leaders were trained in AI tools, leading to the creation of the AI for Educators Network, a vibrant platform for ongoing collaboration and professional development.

Victoria's project sparked student engagement with the launch of the Young AI Leaders platform and discussions that shaped AI-driven learning experiences. A dedicated panel led to a follow-up webinar on AI in education for women and girls in STEM. Industry leaders championed the alignment of AI education with workforce needs, advocating for internships and real-world projects in school curricula.

Victoria states that by working closely with educational institutes and students for her project, graduates can benefit by "increasing their workforce readiness and industry overall productivity leading to economic development driven by innovation," and "educators will gain AI skills to deliver personalized, future-oriented education aligned with Education 5.0 which is part of Zimbabwe's key education policy in tertiary institutions." 

“I anticipate that this conference will spark an ongoing ecosystem that will promote innovation and ensure the ethical, responsible, and efficient integration of AI in the field of education.” - Victoria Nxumalo

IVLP Exchange Experience

Victoria participated in the IVLP Project Harnessing New Technologies for Growth, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Cultural Vistas, in partnership with World Affairs Council Seattle, Global Ties Kansas City, and WorldBoston.

Victoria's exchange experience led to the creation of her project. She experienced pivotal conversations in shaping how the education journeys of students in Zimbabwe will plug into the global talent pipeline. She was introduced to Karrie Ann Jean, Executive Director, Mattapan/Greater Boston Technology Learning Center, in Boston, Massachusetts where she connected similarities in Girls in STEM grassroots initiatives to her home community.

“It was only after seeing the importance of having educators who are confident enough to ride the tide of integrating new technologies and rapidly learning alongside their students and mentees, that I was spurred into action to pursue a project that brings together all the necessary stakeholders in the education sector." - Victoria Nxumalo

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Kansas City, MO; Seattle, WA

Country: Zimbabwe

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