On the 1st of June 2024, Ignite Youth Organization held a glamorous fundraising dinner titled ‘Dine with Purpose’. The event took place at Sterling Hub, Eastlea (Harare) from 3 pm – 9 pm. While the main purpose of the event was to serve as a fundraising program for Ignite Youth, it also served as a certification program for those that had fully completed the Voyager Level under the Purpose Curriculum.
The event started off with introductions – which were energized by our charismatic MCs Blessing Sikireta and Ropafadzo Makate. The rest of the event was a smooth interchange between performances and speeches from artists and guest speakers. The first speaker to grace the stage was Henrica Makulu Kadira. Henrica is a data practitioner who is exceptionally passionate about data storytelling and believes that “stories are just data with a soul”. She shared her childhood experiences, and the challenges of growing up with a single mother. On one account, she noted how she used to go to school in a truck full of newspapers because that was her only mode of transport. She also shared how she was only one of two ladies in a male-dominated degree course. Henrica shared exceptional tips and tricks on career planning, and how one can position themselves for success. She also emphasized the importance of not letting your background limit you from achieving your goals and dreams.
Henrica’s powerful speech was then followed by a scintillating performance from Nigel Murevanhema. Nigel’s voice carried the crowd through different ranges of emotion, as he masterfully switched between genres and song choices. His performance was followed by Nelly Tiyago-Jinjka’s speech. Nelly is a partner at Scanlen & Holderness. Nelly has specialized in Corporate and Commercial Law, with her main practise areas being in joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, commercial litigation and registration of intellectual property. Nelly shared her inspiring story, and how she sits on several important boards. She then asked thought provoking questions – which challenged participants to think of their wildest dreams and ambitions. Nelly concluded by encouraging Ignite members to be unapologetic in dreaming big.
Reeco Black, who dubs himself as the ‘Zimbabwean Pop Smoke’, followed this speech with an illustrious performance. Just like Nigel, Reeco showcased his ability to switch styles and flow, often navigating between Drill and Zimbabwean Hip-Hop. His performance was then followed by a speech from Michel Mzondo. Michel has spent over twelve years working in the Southern Africa region namely South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Zambia & is now currently based in Zimbabwe. She has gained experience in the areas of Talent Acquisition, Talent & Leadership Development, Talent Management, Employee Engagement, Performance Management & Succession Planning, Organisational Restructuring and Change management. Michel shared on critical professional development aspects such as leveraging AI, communication, dressing, and internet presence. She also shared 17 AI tools that can enhance and advance one’s skills in areas such as CV writing, designing etc. Michel also shared the importance of having certificates on one’s Linkedin Page – which can complement one’s degree and other educational qualifications.
To conclude the event, Ignite Youth’s very own Elluzhen performed well-known songs that had the entire crowd cheering. His performance and synergy with the crowd was a true homage to the unity found in Ignite Youth. Ignite Youth extends its gratitude to everyone that made the dinner possible.
We look forward to more evenings filled with purpose, meaning and connection.
IGNITE Youth Organisation is dedicated to shaping and encouraging young people aged 13 to 29 years to emergence and a life of purpose. We help them realize their dreams, live to their fullest potential and ultimately impact their communities. We’re all about igniting a generation to create impact and change their world.
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