Indian university seeks collaboration with Zimpapers to empower students

Lynn Murahwa

IN a promising development for local education, Lovely Professional University (LPU) of India has expressed interest in collaborating with Zimpapers, the country’s largest integrated media house, to strengthen and broaden educational opportunities for Zimbabwean students.

During a closed-door meeting with Zimpapers chief executive officer Mr Pikirayi Deketeke last week, LPU assistant director Mr Manish Aery lauded the company’s dedication to supporting both the Government and international education initiatives.

Mr Aery commended Zimpapers’ commitment to corporate social responsibility activities, citing the company’s highly successful careers and skills expo held in February. He said such initiatives resonated with LPU, prompting the institution’s desire to collaborate.

LPU, which is actively engaged in an enrolment drive globally, currently boasts 800 Zimbabwean students.

Officials from the institution who have been visiting Zimbabwe since 2021 have been impressed by the country’s quest for knowledge.

LPU’s core mission aligns with this hunger for learning, aiming to bridge the gap between aspirations and academic pursuits.

By offering career guidance tailored to market trends, the university hopes to cultivate job creators, rather than employees.

“We have had three Zimbabwean students graduate from LPU and they have all returned to Zimbabwe to establish their own medical laboratories. Our goal is to empower students to become job creators, not just job seekers,” added Mr Aery.

LPU emphasises the importance of prerequisite passes to ensure students have a solid foundation for progress.

Mr Deketeke emphasised Zimbabwe’s dedication to education through initiatives like the Government’s Heritage-based Education 5.0 philosophy, which focuses on developing skills crucial for national transformation.

“The message of skills development may not have resonated with all students, especially those leaving the country to pursue further studies. However, local universities are placing a strong emphasis on equipping graduates with practical skills,” he said.

He also highlighted Zimpapers’ existing positive experiences with India.

The company presently uses an Indian printing press, and the information technology (IT) systems were also developed in India.

This growing partnership between LPU and Zimpapers promises to be a significant step forward for Zimbabwean education.

By combining LPU’s international expertise with Zimpapers’ deep understanding of the local landscape, the collaboration has the potential to empower countless Zimbabwean students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

The precise details of the envisaged tie-up are still under wraps.

There are, however, indications that it involves joint efforts to enhance access to educational resources, exchange programmes, training programmes, career guidance, scholarship opportunities, skills sharing and global events aimed at enhancing skills and education.