Zimbabwe Open University and AVINOKS Forge Path to Empowerment Through Partnership
The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AVINOKS & AIRPROP INVESTIMENTS (PVT) LTD on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Harare. The ceremony took place at the Zimbabwe Open University’s Corner House Offices. This MoU signing ceremony marks the second partnership agreement ZOU has signed, this year, following shortly after the one signed with the Council of Churches in Africa (CCA).
Left: ZOU VC, Professor Paul Henry Gundani and AVINOKS Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Thomas Kanda signing the MoU
In his speech at the signing ceremony, ZOU Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Henry Gundani, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the collaboration between ZOU and AVINOKS. He highlighted the importance of partnerships that benefit both parties, emphasising that such agreements are crucial for the growth, visibility, and branding of academic institutions like ZOU.
Professor Gundani emphasized that the goal of the private company AVINOKS is to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in youth, women, and schoolchildren. The company wants to establish an ecosystem that not only changes communities but also boosts the economy of Zimbabwe. By partnering with AVINOKS, ZOU seeks to expand its community engagement and outreach activities, aligning with its mantra of “Empowerment Through Open Learning.”
Delegates follow proceedings
The MoU with AVINOKS signifies a mutual commitment to support community knowledge and skills training programs. Additionally, AVINOKS will provide human capital resources in the form of volunteers, including experts from different sectors who are willing to share their knowledge and skills with local community members.
Through this partnership, both ZOU and AVINOKS aim to co-create and manage knowledge that empowers Zimbabweans and Africans in general. The collaboration will not only benefit the immediate communities served by ZOU but also contribute to a broader national development agenda outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025).
The signing of the MoU between ZOU and AVINOKS marks a significant step towards strengthening community engagement, expanding institutional reach, and enhancing knowledge exchange. Both parties are optimistic about the positive impact this partnership will have on their respective goals and look forward to a successful and sustainable collaboration in the future.
