Last year, I had the extraordinary privilege of travelling to Zimbabwe to meet and teach some of the most driven, curious students I've ever encountered — the cohort at the MATTER Career Readiness Institute (MCRI).
If you're not familiar with MCRI, let me explain why it matters. You may already know the Matter Innovation Hubs (MIH): tech-forward, student-centred environments designed to foster active learning and creativity for children who often lack access to critical educational resources. MCRI takes that mission further. It's a post-secondary workforce training program with a bold goal — equip young Zimbabwean students with the skills needed to become software engineers and secure remote employment with Western companies. In an environment where opportunity can be rare, MCRI is opening doors that were once closed, helping students turn potential into power.
How the program works
Students apply from local secondary schools, go through a rigorous selection process, and dive into a curriculum originally focused on Swift coding, mobile device management (MDM) and core technical skills. Now, those pathways are expanding — and today, 13 MCRI graduates are already employed at Jamf, with more on their way. In addition to several MCRI graduates finding placements in other organisations.
This trip marked a significant milestone: for the first time, students in the program were preparing to take the Jamf 200 Course. They'd already earned their Jamf Certified Associate - Jamf Pro certification having gone through the Jamf 100 Course, and it was my job to help them take the next step.
Getting there (eventually)
Admittedly, the journey didn't begin smoothly. A heat delay at Heathrow meant I missed my connection in Johannesburg by nine minutes — even after sprinting through the airport with two Macs in one hand and a backpack in the other. After an unexpected overnight stay and a short business class upgrade the next day (on a two-hour flight, no less), I finally arrived in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
There, I was greeted by Kelly Watkins Conrad, a true champion of the work Jamf does at the MCRI. We headed straight to campus, sorted the Wi-Fi and were in full swing before long.
Meeting the students
I met, four driven, intelligent and deeply motivated students. I'd brought along Jamf pens, stickers and British biscuits, but their hunger for knowledge was the real standout. (Eventually the hunger for biscuits came out too 😄 .)
Over three packed days, we tackled 15 lessons, reinforcing what they'd learned in the Jamf 100 Course and building new confidence in Jamf Pro. What struck me most was their focus, their laughter (even at my bad jokes) and their sheer determination to succeed. It reminded me why I love what I do.
To keep things engaging, I introduced Kahoot quizzes for some friendly competition. None of the students had used Kahoot before, so we kicked off with a round of British slang. It was a hit — and the winner was chuffed to bits, pipping Kelly at the post.
Beyond the classroom
Outside the sessions, I visited the Jamf office in Zimbabwe and had the chance to speak with current employees, contractors and students. Every conversation was inspiring. Their professionalism, curiosity and drive were undeniable. One student even gave up part of their lunch break to give us a guided tour of the office — a small gesture that spoke volumes about the pride they take in what they're building.
I even squeezed in a safari, spotting black rhino, giraffe, impala and zebra. No lions, leopards or elephants this time — maybe next trip! In addition I had the pleasure of visiting Victoria Falls and standing near the powerful cascade of the falls, soaked by the spray, I couldn't help but feel moved by the natural beauty of the place. With the exception of the heat, it felt very much like a traditional British summer ⛈ 😄 .
Why this matters
My time in Zimbabwe was more than a work trip — it was a profound reminder of why Jamf Training exists beyond delivering public courses.
Yes, we train IT professionals around the world every day. But the work we do with partners like MCRI shows what's possible when training becomes a vehicle for real-world impact. These students are not just learning to manage devices; they're building careers, supporting their families and rewriting what the future looks like for their communities.
Training has the power to change lives. I saw that firsthand in Victoria Falls, and I'll carry it with me every time I step into a classroom — virtual or otherwise.
