Nine bright students from the University of Zimbabwe recently celebrated a major milestone, graduating under the esteemed Fossil Contracting scholarship programme. This initiative has been instrumental in supporting young Zimbabweans pursuing careers in construction, engineering, and related fields, providing them with the financial, practical, and professional guidance necessary to succeed in higher education and beyond.
The graduating cohort includes five men and four women, reflecting Fossil Contracting’s commitment to gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Currently, the scholarship programme supports 41 university students, alongside 30 primary and high school students, ensuring a broad pipeline of talent from diverse backgrounds.
One of the graduates, Kudakwashe Mutedzi, expressed deep gratitude to Fossil Contracting for the comprehensive support provided throughout her academic journey. “I would like to thank Fossil Contracting for supporting me through my studies,” she said. “They assisted me with tuition, accommodation, a laptop, and drawing boards. We also gained invaluable hands-on experience during training on projects such as the Trabablas Interchange and the Harare-Chirundu Highway. Being involved in real-world construction projects allowed us to apply classroom knowledge and understand industry standards.”
Ryan Liwala, another graduate, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the transformative impact of the scholarship on his education. “From my first year to my final year, Fossil Contracting sponsored my studies. I want to personally thank Mr Obey Chimuka, CEO of Fossil Group, and the group’s human resources executive for this incredible opportunity,” he said. Liwala added that the practical exposure received through attachments was crucial in preparing him and his peers for professional life. “Some of us had only 15 points from our Advanced Level studies and limited opportunities to advance. This scholarship instilled hope and opened doors for young people like us to dream bigger,” he noted.
Tafadzwa Samuriwo, another graduate, emphasised the programme’s impact on students from disadvantaged communities. “I am proud to graduate with the support of Fossil Group. The experience we gained was immense, equipping us well for our future careers,” she said.
Fossil Contracting Scholarship Celebrates Nine University of Zimbabwe Graduates
Caleb Garura, Fossil Group’s human resources executive, expressed pride in the first cohort of graduates under the programme. “This is a momentous occasion for us. Of the nine graduates, six are young men, though tragically, one lost his life in a car accident two years ago. We also celebrate the four women who graduated, reinforcing our commitment to girl-child education and women’s empowerment, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” he said.
Garura highlighted the holistic approach of the scholarship programme. “We covered all costs associated with their studies, including tuition and essential resources. During vacations, we placed students on construction sites to gain practical experience, and they underwent a ten-week soft skills training programme. Our goal is to develop well-rounded engineers ready to meet industry demands,” he explained.
Fossil Contracting has consistently extended its social responsibility efforts beyond university scholarships. The company funds education for orphans and children from economically disadvantaged families across Zimbabwe, recognising that investing in education creates long-term benefits that transcend generations.
“The impact of education is profound,” Garura remarked. “It changes lives, uplifts communities, and helps build a skilled workforce that can contribute to the nation’s growth. Fossil Contracting is committed to nurturing talent and empowering young Zimbabweans to succeed in construction, engineering, and other technical fields.”
The scholarship programme not only provides financial assistance but also equips students with the confidence, knowledge, and professional exposure necessary to thrive in competitive industries. By blending classroom learning with practical training, Fossil Contracting ensures that graduates are career-ready and able to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development.
As the nine graduates embark on the next stage of their professional journeys, they carry with them the skills, experience, and values instilled by Fossil Contracting. Their success serves as a powerful testament to the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering education and human capital development, inspiring future cohorts to pursue their academic and professional dreams.
With a strong foundation laid by this scholarship programme, Zimbabwe’s construction and engineering sectors can look forward to a new generation of skilled, empowered, and motivated professionals, ready to build a brighter future for the country.
Source- NewsDay
