who we are
Here’s where you can find all the details on our full portfolio of programs, projects, and initiatives in Zimbabwe.
vision, mission and goal
We are worried about the digital divide and believe that the best way for humanity to thrive in the era of Artificial Intelligence is for everyone, everywhere, to learn how to code and build with AI tools.
vision
A world where everyone, everywhere, has access to technology resources, education, and employment opportunities.
mission
To provide free technology education, entrepreneurship and employment training to youth and young adults from under resourced communities.
goal
To make Zimbabwe the technology capital of Africa.
uncommon values
We Are Driven By Purpose
At Uncommon, our purpose is what unites and drives us to do the work we do every day. We are one team with a shared vision for a better, more inclusive and fair world, and we believe in our ability to execute. We know that success isn’t just about how far we get, but about how many people we bring along with us.
We Pursue Excellence In Everything We Do
At Uncommon, we understand that our reputation is everything. You have given us your trust, and we don’t take that lightly. That’s why we pay attention to every little detail, we don’t believe in “good enough”, and we take immense pride in our work. When we have a task, no matter how big or small, we do it right, and we do it completely. Pursuing excellence is not just our rule, or our obligation; it’s who we are.
We Stay Curious
At Uncommon, we are dreamers. We are idealists, we are innovators, we are bold, and we buck the status quo. Because we are driven by a question: what if? What if things didn’t have to be this way? What if the impossible wasn’t impossible? What if I took that risk? What if we all did? Curiosity is innovation. It is discovery, it is progress, it is wondering why? How? What if? Curiosity is our foundation, and staying curious is the first step towards becoming uncommon.
We Act With Integrity
At Uncommon, integrity isn’t just a word, or value, it’s everything. It’s how we approach our work, our relationships, and it’s how we live our lives. We are honest, we are fair, we hold ourselves accountable, and we hold each other accountable too. When you join our community, you are committing to live this way. To be ethical, to be transparent, to be trustworthy, to be kind. At Uncommon, there is no other way.
We Believe in Tech For Good
At Uncommon, we believe in the extraordinary potential that technology has to make the world a better place, for all of us. Not because we believe in technology, but because we believe in people. At their cores, people, all people, are good. What happens when you give people the tools to create and the freedom to dream? Join Uncommon, you’ll see.
theory
of change
Our Theory of Change rests on three key pillars:
Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship.
Step One is to make a technology education available to all Zimbabweans.
Step Two is to connect young Zimbabwean technologists with meaningful technology employment opportunities.
Step Three is to empower Zimbabwe&lrsquo;s young, tech professionals with the skills, resources, and financing needed to become entrepreneurs, startup builders, innovators, and problem solvers.
In doing the above, we believe we can make Zimbabwe the tech capital of Africa, and empower her to contribute not just her resources, but her ideas, products, and services to the global economy.
we are
and this is the code we live by:
We are united.
We stand together, firmly - a team unified by a shared vision for the world. We don't disparage, we support, because we believe deeply that all ships rise in a rising tide. We trust in each other's sincerity, and we give generously when we see a friend in need. When we are working together, nothing can stop us.
We are noteworthy.
We know our value and we aren't afraid to be proud. Because it takes hard work to get to where we are. We choose the road less traveled because that's where all the magic happens. And we welcome you to join us.
We are creative.
As a team of creatives and entrepreneurs, we think outside the box. We see problems as opportunities and honor the fact that great challenges bring with them great rewards. Adversity doesn't frighten us, it inspires us. We show our battle wounds with pride because it's our diverse experiences that make us who we are.
We are optimistic.
We choose to see the glass half full, because after all, it's a choice. We recognize the power of the mind and value our mental health. We value yours too. We don't believe that math and science are just for boys. We believe in the limitless capacity of the human spirit. When we get knocked down, we get back up and keep moving forward.
we are mission driven.
We respect and embrace our differences, and we believe that everyone brings a unique and valuable perspective to our mission. No matter the position, we believe that everyone's role is important and critical to achieving our vision for the world. We respect each other, we respect our work, and we hold in highest regard the donors, volunteers and supporters who empower us to work on behalf of our beneficiaries every day.
We stay in motion.
Procrastination is our enemy, but we're not afraid to take time to smell the roses. We reflect, we iterate, and we innovate. And we take pride in our achievements. But we don't sprint ahead on our own. If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together.
We believe in openness.
We are open minded. We are transparent. We are honest, empathetic and act with integrity in everything we do. We don't hoard our ideas, we share them. We don't fight and tear each other down, we debate, challenge, critique and learn from our differing points of view. Knowledge is power, and our mission is to democratize access to the education, resources and tools that are shaping our world.
we have no fear
We aren't afraid to be who we are. And we aren't afraid of who you are either, whoever you are. We stand up for what we believe is right, and we have the humility to admit when we're wrong. This is how we learn. This is how we grow. This is how we are uncommon.
