ZIMBABWE’S telecommunications giant, TelOne has launched TelOne QueenMakers, a year long girls mentorship program aimed at empowering high school girls with basic life skills.
By Michael Gwarisa
The program is also part of TelOne’s corporate social responsibility programs which will see not less than 200 girls from around the country experience a real working environment scenario under the guidance of mentors from various fields of expertise from within TelOne.
Speaking at the official launch, TelOne managing Director, Mrs Chipo Mtasa said the program would fo a long way in imparting girls with knowledge around their sexual reproductive health, education, life carriers and the environment.
“The TelOne QueenMakers program seeks to support and empower young girls in high school to reach their fullest potential through mentorship and trainings on various life skills topics.
“The program will annually run from the month of October as a symbolic celebration of the Day of the Girl Child which falls on October 11 every year. Through the program, TelOne is enrolling 200 girls countrywide and taking them through a series of empowering topics with different experts,” said Mrs Mtasa.
The topics include leadership development, information, communication and technology (ICT) skills, financial literacy, grooming and etiquette, Sexual Reproductive Health among other topics from October to August next year.
“The first group of girls consists of 100 form 3s and form 5 girls from different Harare schools which include Harare schools which include Harare High, Domboramwari High, Zengeza 1 High and Glenview 1 High.
“This group of girls starting from Monday will be attached to a lady mentor from TelOne who will host the girls during their job shadowing week and support them throughout their yearlong QueenMakers journey.
“Throughout the year, the girls will be engaged for at least three interactive sessions with their mentors and other experts.”
Meanwhile, TelOne Corporate Communications manager, Melody Harry urged girls to be game changers in every field that life presents them.
“Our goal is to nurture and the support the girls’ talents while we help turn them into empowered confident and exposed Queens equipped with knowledge to make decisions about their future and careers.
“Furthermore, the mentorship programme seeks to enhance personal development skills through interactive communication, critical thinking and decision making initiatives. It will provide professional development opportunities that will prepare girls for the workplace,” said Harry.
At the end of the program in August 2019, there shall be a presentation of certificates and graduation ceremony for the girls.
Renowned lawyer, Dr Petian Gappah who was guest of honour at the event called on girls to pursue their passion in any field of their choice without
