Danhiko project
Danhiko project is a civic society organisation which works with people living with disability through providing education, vocational skills and shelter to those living with impairments.
Background
Danhiko is a shona word which means steps, a ladder in which the disabled, the disadvantaged, or anyone else could climb from the ground to meet the summit of their aspirations and ability. It was this concept in mind that the Danhiko Project was established soon after Zimbabwe attained its Independence on 18 April 1981.
It was established in Mbare, a suburb in the central district of Harare and moved to its present location in 1982 as it was realized more space was required as the disused kitchen that housed it proved to be small.
Initially, Danhiko Project was established to provide education and skills training as well as rehabilitation to ex-combatants who had abandoned their education midway in order to take part in the war of liberation.
Since they were now grown-ups and could not get into formal schools, and some had become disabled due to injuries sustained in the war, there was a need to establish an educational institution of their own.
Some combatants were absorbed into the newly established ZNA others we demobilized but those injured could not, or some were not, educated enough to join the civil service or the private sector.
This exercise saw former combatants enrolling in academic courses studying such subjects as Mathematics, English, Accounts, Shona, Ndebele, Science, Commerce, Geography, Agriculture, Economics and History up to General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level.
Vocational and Skills training saw ex-combatants, those who could not enroll for academic education for the following courses:
- Garment Construction
- Furniture and Cabinet Making
- Electronic Appliances Servicing and Repairs
The first 5 years of the project was exclusive to ex-combatants and upon completion of their courses, some of them joined the various arms of Government as civil servants. Some went into parastatals such as National Railways of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation/ TV just to mention a few.
Some joined the Private Sector and others went into the Informal Sector where they established their own businesses in Furniture Making, Garment Making and Radio and TV servicing and repairs.
Vocational Training
Courses on offer:
Clothing Design Technology Department
1 National Certificate In Industrial Clothing Design (Duration 1 Year)
2 National Diploma In Industrial Clothing Production Management - (Duration 3 Years)
3 National Diploma In Industrial Clothing Design And Construction -(Duration 3 Years)
4 National Foundation Certificate In Garment Making - (Duration 2 Years)
Entry qualifications
- 3 O’Levels/ the ability to read and understand English for National Foundation Certificate
- 5 O’levels including English for National Certificate.
- Full National Certificate, for National Diploma.
Wood Technology Department/ Carpentry
- This department offers National Certificate in Wood Technology (Machining and Manufacturing)
- National Foundation Certificate in Cabinet Making and Joinery (NFC)
Entry qualifications
Applicant needs at least 5 O’ levels including Maths and English for NC.
3 O’ Levels / the ability to read and understand English for National Foundation Certificate
Information Communication Technology
- Offers National Foundation Certificate (NFC), National Certificate (NC), National Diploma (ND) in Information Technology
Entry qualifications
- Applicants need at least 5 O’ levels including Maths and English for National Certificate.
- 3 O’Levels/ the ability to read and understand English for National Foundation Certificate.
Electrical Engineering
- Offers National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
- National Foundation Certificate in Basic domestic Appliances Servicing
Entry qualifications
- Applicants need at least 5 O’ levels including Maths and English for National Certificate.
- 3 O’Levels/ the ability to read and understand English for National Foundation Certificate
Danhiko Secondary School
Mission
To provide high quality and relevant Secondary School Education to pupils with or without disabilities, instill intellectual, physical, moral and cultural values to enable them to become useful and self-reliant citizens of Zimbabwe.
Inclusive education
Danhiko Secondary School, like the rest of Danhiko Project is an inclusive institution which enrolls physically challenged students, students with hearing impairment, and able bodied students on an equality system basis.
