Chiredzi Career Fair Inspires 663 Learners to Explore Career Pathways and Future Opportunities

Where ambition met opportunity, Chiredzi came alive with inspiration, curiosity, and possibility.For two days, Chiredzi Government High School became a place where dreams were explored, questions were welcomed, and futures began to take shape.

From 25–26 June 2026, 663 Advanced Level learners from 18 secondary schools across Chiredzi District gathered for the GoTeach Career Fair — an inspiring platform designed to connect young people with professionals, mentors, and opportunities beyond the classroom. The Career Fair created a space where learners could imagine new possibilities, discover diverse career pathways, and gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to make informed decisions about their futures. Organised by DHL Zimbabwe through the GoTeach Programme in partnership with Teach For Zimbabwe (TFZ), the two-day initiative focused on exposing learners to career opportunities, mentorship, employability skills, and professional guidance as they prepare for life beyond secondary school.

Opening doors to new possibilities

Recognising that career guidance plays a vital role in helping young people make informed choices, the Career Fair brought together learners and professionals from government departments, private sector organisations, and development partners. Through exhibitions, career talks, mentorship sessions, and interactive discussions, learners gained first-hand insights into different industries, workplace expectations, academic requirements, and opportunities available within various sectors. Learners engaged with representatives from 16 participating organisations, asking questions, collecting information, and exploring career options that aligned with their interests and aspirations. Participating organisations included:- DHL Zimbabwe,Teach For Zimbabwe,Malilangwe Trust, Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe, N. Richards Group, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), Nyaradzo Group, Econet Zimbabwe, Avuxeni FM, Mangwana & Partners Legal Practitioners- AGRITEX, TOPICS, Department of Social Welfare, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Chiredzi Rural District Council. N. Richards Group additionally supported the event through a generous contribution of five cases of water and two boxes of biscuits, helping to enhance the experience for learners and participants.

A powerful partnership for youth empowerment

The success of the Career Fair was made possible through collaboration between schools, government institutions, businesses, and development partners united by a shared commitment to supporting young people. The event was officially opened by the District Schools Inspector (DSI), Mr Hove, who served as Guest of Honour throughout both days. He commended DHL Zimbabwe and Teach For Zimbabwe for creating an impactful platform that enables learners to engage with professionals and make informed career choices.The first day of the event also featured welcome remarks from the Deputy Mayor of Chiredzi Rural District Council, Councillor Macharaga, who applauded the organisers and partners for investing in the future of young people in Chiredzi District. Representatives from DHL Zimbabwe and Teach For Zimbabwe also addressed learners, highlighting the importance of mentorship, skills development, and preparation for the future world of work.

Building skills for the future

The Career Fair went beyond career exploration by equipping learners with practical skills that will support their personal and professional growth. On the second day, learners participated in mentorship sessions focused on:-Soft skills and personal development, Entrepreneurship,CV writing, Interview preparation, Employability skills. These sessions helped learners understand how to present themselves professionally, identify opportunities, and develop skills that will be valuable as they transition into further education, employment, or entrepreneurship.

Learners reflect on their journey

One of the most memorable moments of the Career Fair was the DHL GoTeach Reflection Activity, where learners captured their experiences, lessons, aspirations, and hopes for the future. After visiting exhibition stands, learners shared their reflections on sticky notes, highlighting key lessons learned, favourite career sessions, new professions they discovered, and messages of appreciation. These reflections were displayed on specially prepared DHL GoTeach boxes, creating a visual representation of learner ambition and possibility. The reflections showed that learners had gained greater awareness of career opportunities, developed a deeper understanding of different professions, and felt inspired to work towards achieving their dreams.

Creating lasting impact

The GoTeach Career Fair 2026 achieved significant outcomes, including: Reaching 663 Advanced Level learners from 18 secondary schools across Chiredzi District, Connecting learners with experienced professionals from diverse sectors, Increasing awareness of career opportunities and pathways, Improving learners’ understanding of academic requirements and workplace expectations, Equipping learners with employability and entrepreneurial skills, Strengthening collaboration between schools, government departments, corporate organisations, and development partners.

Participating organisations expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with learners and shared their willingness to support similar initiatives in the future. ZIMRA also connected with organisers on LinkedIn and expressed gratitude for being part of the event. The success of the Career Fair has opened doors for further engagement, including an invitation to participate in the World Youth Skills Day Webinar hosted by Teach For All and a request to contribute a feature article for the Teach For All Future of Work blog series.

Inspiring a generation of possibilities

The Chiredzi Career Fair demonstrated the power of creating meaningful connections between young people and the world of work. By bringing learners together with professionals, mentors, and organisations committed to youth development, the initiative helped young people see beyond immediate challenges and recognise the many possibilities available to them.

As these learners continue their journeys, the message remains clear: when we invest in young people today, we help shape a brighter tomorrow.