Supporting the Impact hub Makerspaces

By Sikhethiwe Mlotsha

Kufunda supported the Impact Hub with hosting participatory visioning for the youth at two of their upcoming Makerspaces in Tsholotsho and Chikombedzi. The work was received with a lot of appreciation, and the process enables the youth in realising the possibility of co creating a Makerspace that is owned and driven by young people. There were so many exciting ideas that came up with enthusiasm and high energy. We worked with about 100 youth from both communities over two two day sessions.

Our participatory methodologies created safe space for all participants to contribute freely and openly. The circle helped everyone to feel equal regardless gender, age or even qualifications: ‘We were treated the same during these two days, I wasn’t afraid to speak as I was given time to be listened to by the whole group’ said one of the young women.

Participants enjoyed the inclusion of fun moments during training. It wasn’t all about business there were moments for fun. Singing and Circular Dances brought joy and laughter during programme. “I enjoyed dancing and working in groups. I felt belonging to the group” said a participant.

The appreciative approach that we always work with, brought positive energy from looking for possibilities . One of the participants shared her experience of trying to solve a lot of problems in her life and how she was about to give up. She shared her gratitude about finding what works in life. She sees there is a lot that she can do rather than focus on what is not working.

The youths enjoyed working with facilitators who were giving them space to practice their confidence

and share their ideas. One of the participants who is an Artist was grateful because he got an

opportunity to showcase his talent to the whole group . He managed to draw the outcome of activities they would like to do. Everyone loved the picture. They were amazed by the outcome from the collective within a short period of time.

Bringing Hope

The Training brought hope to these youths as there is a high migration to South Africa from this region. Our Appreciative approach helped the group to see their community and their lives with fresh eyes and to identify what they are good at and what else is possible that they can do. It enabled most of the parLcipants to actually see the best in themselves and see possibilities out of the harsh conditions in their livelihoods. Rich ideas were brought as they were seeing what resources are available as well as considering help and support from the Makerspace. The use of Circle, World Café and Pro-Action Café helped in cultivating the collective ideas in mapping the way forward for the Makerspace. No one was left behind as everyone got a  chance to bring their voice. As a result this brought a sense of ownership to the youth as they actually contributed their ideas on what they want to see happening in the Makerspace. It took the young women time to open up fully but they managed to step up and lead some of the group discussions that were related to projects they want to see and lead in the Makerspace. 

The presence of Stakeholders from this community was very important as they were really participating fully and supporting youths in finding their way into their future work. As elder leaders they were supporting youths with critical ideas on how this Makerspace could be sustainable. 

We look forward to continuing to support these kinds of important youth initiatives to flourish!

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