In a landmark move to bridge tertiary education gaps and empower marginalised youth, the Forum for African Women Educationalists Zimbabwe (FAWEZI) with support from the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and the Mastercard Foundation held a stakeholders meeting in Gweru to unveil the Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalised Young Women and Men Program. The event was graced by representatives from Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE), the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MoHTEISTD), the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (MoPSLSW), the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Small and Medium Enterprises Development MWACSMED), the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE), Midlands State University (MSU), Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), Lupane State University (LSU), Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS), Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), Tongogara Refugee Camp, Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe (LCDZ), the Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ), Terre des Hommes (TDH), and the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), This seven-year Program, running from 2024 to 2030, is supported by the Mastercard Foundation and aims to provide a holistic approach to education and entrepreneurship for economically and climatically affected young people aged 15 to 25. Zimbabwe is one of the 10 countries participating in this Program, which seeks to address the barriers preventing marginalized youth from accessing tertiary education and dignified employment opportunities. Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting in Gweru, FAWEZI Executive Director Lydia Madyirapanze highlighted the program’s potential to transform lives. “For some time, FAWEZI has been working with the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry to support learners in accessing and completing education,” Madyirapanze said. “This program creates a pathway for marginalized young women and men to access tertiary education through a Higher Education Access Certificate a bridging curriculum we will develop with universities and the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE).” Key Features of the Program The Program focuses on creating educational pathways and providing comprehensive support to marginalized youth, with a specific emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Key program components include: • Higher Education Access Certificate: A bridging curriculum to facilitate entry into degree and diploma programs. • Scholarship Opportunities: Financial support for students to attend universities and vocational training institutions. • Entrepreneurship Support: Start-up capital, market linkages, and industrial partnerships for youth to kickstart businesses. • Inclusive Access: Special support for 5-15% of participants with disabilities to ensure equitable opportunities. “Our focus is on STEM education,” Madyirapanze emphasized. “We aim to address the shortage of skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics while tackling poverty through increased access to tertiary education. Our bias is on girls, who often face greater barriers in accessing STEM opportunities,” said Madyirapanze The program has already identified five local universities to pioneer the initiative and Stakeholders at the meeting had an opportunity to share reactions to the program, Professor Mandizvidza from ZIMCHE welcomed the program, stating, “We are grateful as this program aligns with the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. Education is a powerful tool that transforms lives, communities, and nations. It is the cornerstone upon which we build a brighter future, one where every individual has the opportunity to realize their full potential.” Dr Darlington Damba who was representing the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development also expressed their support, noting, “This program is critical in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural and disadvantaged youth, ensuring they have access to opportunities that were previously out of reach.” Beyond academic opportunities, the Second Chance Pathways program focuses on equipping young people with practical skills and resources for the workforce. Program clients will receive training in entrepreneurship and industrial practices, ensuring they can transition seamlessly into employment or self-employment. “We are not just opening doors to education; we are ensuring that these young people have the tools to thrive in their communities and beyond, “This program is designed to address the root causes of poverty by providing education, skills, and economic opportunities,” Madyirapanze said The Second Chance Pathways program is part of FAWE’s broader vision to enhance access to education across Africa. The initiative seeks to reach 134,400 students from 21 universities and 35 Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, including industrial training colleges and teacher’s colleges across 10 African countries. “Innovation is at the heart of this program. We are creating pathways that not only increase access to tertiary education but also promote skilling and dignified work for young female and male graduates of secondary education,”Madyirapanze explained The program has already generated excitement among stakeholders. Through addressing systemic barriers to education and employment, FAWEZI is not only transforming individual lives but also promoting socio-economic development in marginalized communities. “Most of the learners we supported during the early days of FAWEZI’s work could not go beyond secondary education, This program is a game-changer, offering a second chance to those who need it most. It’s about ensuring that no young person is left behind,” Madyirapanze reflected The Second Chance Pathways program is more than just an educational Program; it opens up opportunities for marginalized youth, providing them with the tools and opportunities to build a future they never imagined.