- Category
- BICA Academy
- Where
- Binga campus
- Planned dates
- 3 Jan 2027 to 3 Jan 2028
- People who benefit
- 200
- Funding sought
- USD 72,600
- Raised so far
- USD 0 (0%)
- Project owner
- Takura Trust
Overview
A computer lab, internet link and digital skills courses so learners can gain technology skills, run campus systems and work online.
Technology is part of every modern job. This project equips an ICT lab with computers, a satellite internet link and a trainer so that learners and staff gain digital skills and the campus runs on its own systems.
Proposal
1. Executive summary
The Technology and ICT Training Centre equips a lab with 30 computers, a reliable internet link, a solar backup and software, and funds a trainer and technician. It teaches digital literacy, office skills, basic coding, computer repair, online work and farm and business technology to 200 learners a year, and runs BICA's own case, HR and training systems.
2. Background and need
Digital skills open work in every sector, yet few young people in Binga have used a computer. Employers want staff who can use technology, and online work can be done from anywhere.
3. Problem statement
The district has little access to computers or reliable internet. Learners leave school without digital skills and cannot compete for jobs or start digital businesses.
4. Goal and objectives
Goal: learners and staff use technology to learn, work and earn.
Objectives: (1) a lab with 30 computers; (2) digital courses for 200 learners a year; (3) campus systems run in-house; (4) 50 graduates earning from digital or technical work.
5. Who will benefit
200 learners a year, including people in recovery and young mothers, the staff who use BICA systems, and young people from the district.
6. Approach and activities
We refit a room as the lab, install computers, networking, a satellite link and a solar backup, and recruit a trainer and technician. Courses range from a four-week digital literacy course to six- and twelve-month tracks in computer repair, office technology and web and digital work.
7. Monitoring, evaluation and learning
Progress is measured against the indicators in the results framework. The project manager keeps a monthly record of activities, spending and results, and reviews it with the Director. Baseline figures are taken in the first month, and the same measures are repeated at the mid-point and at completion. Beneficiaries are asked for their views at least twice a year, and what they say changes the plan.
A short evaluation by someone independent of BICA is carried out at the end, and its findings, including what did not work, are shared with the funder and published on this website.
8. Sustainability and exit
Course fees and sponsorship, repair and printing services and digital work for local clients cover running costs. Learners help maintain the equipment and the campus network.
9. BICA capacity and governance
BICA, the Binga Institute of Conservation Agriculture, is an institution of Takura Trust, which owns the project and holds it to account. The Trust's board provides oversight, approves budgets and receives quarterly progress and financial reports. On site, the Director leads heads of care, agriculture, the Academy, enterprise, finance and partnerships, with a safeguarding and monitoring officer. A Clinical and Recovery Advisory Panel reviews care protocols and outcomes.
Funds given for this project are restricted: they are recorded in a separate project ledger, spent only against the approved budget, supported by quotations and receipts, and open to independent audit. Funders receive a narrative and financial report each quarter and a final report at completion.
10. Safeguarding and risk management
Everyone who works or volunteers on this project is vetted and signs the BICA safeguarding policy before starting. There is a named safeguarding officer, a confidential way to raise concerns, and a duty to report to the police and the Department of Social Development where required. Children, young mothers and elders are never left alone with an unvetted adult.
The main project risks are listed in the risk register with the action we will take and the person responsible. Risks are reviewed monthly by the project manager and quarterly by the Trust board.
Work plan
Phases
| Phase | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Set-up | 3 Jan 2027 | 2 Apr 2027 |
| Training | 3 Apr 2027 | 2 Dec 2027 |
| Review | 3 Dec 2027 | 2 Jan 2028 |
Tasks
| Task | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Refit lab and install equipment | 3 Jan 2027 | 2 Apr 2027 |
| Recruit trainer and technician | 3 Feb 2027 | 2 Apr 2027 |
| Digital literacy courses | 3 Apr 2027 | 2 Dec 2027 |
| Repair and web tracks | 3 Jun 2027 | 2 Dec 2027 |
| Review and plan year two | 3 Dec 2027 | 2 Jan 2028 |
Milestones
| Milestone | Due | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Lab open | 3 Apr 2027 | Signed report with photographs |
| First 100 learners certified | 3 Sep 2027 | Signed report with photographs |
| Final report and review | 3 Jan 2028 | Signed report with photographs |
Budget
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit cost | Total | Requested |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | 9,360.00 | ||||
| Satellite internet equipment and installation | lot | 1 | 4,800.00 | 4,800.00 | 4,800.00 |
| Internet service, 12 months | month | 12 | 380.00 | 4,560.00 | 4,560.00 |
| Equipment | 25,100.00 | ||||
| Computers (desktops and laptops) | unit | 30 | 650.00 | 19,500.00 | 19,500.00 |
| Networking, printers and projector | lot | 1 | 5,600.00 | 5,600.00 | 5,600.00 |
| Lab | 9,500.00 | ||||
| Refit of lab room with power and security | lot | 1 | 9,500.00 | 9,500.00 | 9,500.00 |
| Management | 4,800.00 | ||||
| Project coordination and reporting | month | 12 | 400.00 | 4,800.00 | 2,400.00 |
| Monitoring | 2,400.00 | ||||
| Evaluation and audit | lot | 1 | 2,400.00 | 2,400.00 | 2,400.00 |
| Solar | 7,800.00 | ||||
| Solar backup for the lab | lot | 1 | 7,800.00 | 7,800.00 | 7,800.00 |
| Training | 24,200.00 | ||||
| Trainer and technician, 12 months | month | 12 | 1,700.00 | 20,400.00 | 12,240.00 |
| Course materials and certification | lot | 1 | 3,800.00 | 3,800.00 | 3,800.00 |
| Total budget (USD) | 83,160.00 | 72,600.00 | |||
Requested from the funder: USD 72,600 (87%). BICA and partners contribute USD 10,560.
When the funds are needed
| Quarter of the project | Requested (USD) |
|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | 2,400.00 |
| Quarter 2 | 47,200.00 |
| Quarter 3 | 20,600.00 |
| Quarter 4 | 2,400.00 |
Results and risks
Results framework
| Level | Result | Indicator | Now | Target | How we check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal | Learners and staff use technology to learn and earn | Graduates in digital or technical work after 6 months | 0 | 50 | Follow-up records |
| Outcome | Digital skills available in Binga | Learners trained per year | 0 | 200 | Course register |
| Output | ICT lab equipped and connected | Lab in use | No | Yes | Completion record |
| Output | Learners certified | Certificates issued | 0 | 200 | Certificates |
Risks and what we will do
| Risk | Score | What we will do |
|---|---|---|
| Internet outages | 9 | Solar backup, two providers and offline learning materials. |
| Low attendance | 9 | Timetable around production work and mentoring. |
| Equipment theft or damage | 6 | Secure room, insurance and a trained technician. |
Funding and owner
Project owner
- Owner
- Takura Trust
- Implemented by
- Binga Institute of Conservation Agriculture (BICA)
- info@bica.org.zw
- Telephone
- +263774114107
- Address
- Binga District, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
Every funder receives a progress and financial report each quarter. Funds are restricted to this project and tracked in a separate ledger.
Support this project
Write to us to receive the full proposal, ask a question, visit the campus, or tell us how you would like to help. A reply comes from Takura Trust and BICA within two working days.
Prefer to speak? Call +263774114107 or email info@bica.org.zw.