Scaled down celebration for ZimThrive
THE organisers of ZimThrive have announced that the event will go ahead in December as a scaled back celebration.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the event, which was due to run from 1- 31 December after two previous postponements, will now take place from 15- 19 December 2021 in various towns and cities across Zimbabwe.
Those unable to attend the event will have the opportunity to take part online.
Local and international organisations will also be able to showcase their products and services, as well as network with other businesses looking to exhibit during ZimThrive.
Co- founder Mike Tashaya said: “ZimThrive is intended to encourage diasporans, those at home as well as friends of Zimbabwe to be part of an international initiative that will go beyond 2021.
“We hope it will establish ongoing dialogue for Zimbabweans on a local and international level, as well as encourage re- engagement and economic regeneration.
“More importantly, it is a chance for people to participate in the future of the country and we believe this is a great platform to do that.”
ZimThrive is working with a number of local and international stakeholders and partners who are planning to host events in Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Vumba, among other destinations.
Some events include the Diaspora conference that has been endorsed by the Government, and a property and construction show.
The Zimbabwe Achievers Awards are also planning to host an event during this period.
There are also plans for a film and music festival, as well as a food festival and several fundraising initiatives by various groups.
“After a very challenging 18 months, our objectives have not changed,” said founder Mildred Munjanganja.
“The world needs something positive to look forward to and ZimThrive is just one of those significant events as the world returns to some form of normality.”
ZimThrive has appointed events coordinator, Chenesai Mukora- Mangoma, who will be responsible for compiling the calendar and communicating with event stakeholders during the week- long event.
The organisation is planning to host at least one alumni event that will bring together schools, colleges and universities in Harare and surrounding areas.
The aim of this event is to attract former pupils as part of a wider initiative that will help boost engagement in the education sector in Zimbabwe.
All schools interested in hosting a joint reunion have been encouraged to come on board to support the campaign.
Started in 2017 by Tashaya and Munjanganja, the apolitical platform was established to encourage active engagement among Zimbabweans and bring them together from all parts of the world to participate in the future and rebuilding of the country.
Tashaya and Munjanganja believe that engagement from Zimbabweans in the diaspora is crucial and that participation will be key in helping to create investment opportunities and raise the country’s tourism profile.
Travel and tour packages are also being negotiated and tourism and airline companies are being encouraged to partner with ZimThrive as the sector, like others, begins to recover from the economic impact of Covid- 19.
While the country has reopened its international airport, a number of domestic restrictions remain in place, with the hope that most measures will be eased in the weeks ahead.
Attendees have been encouraged to check travel guidance as well as any safety measures that will be in place at events during this period, if they have not been vaccinated.