MOU to shape the next generation of design talent in Zimbabwe signed

Autodesk, a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, and the Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital Arts (ZIVA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help students become industry ready and take full advantage of opportunities in a new global environment.

The MOU between Autodesk and ZIVA will provide ZIVA's students with free access to professional 3D design software and learning content that is aligned to industry practices and demands. These are the same design solution used by over 12 million Autodesk professional users around the world to bring their ideas to life, including the Autodesk Education Master Suite and Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite. The collaboration will also empower educators with robust learning materials so they can create immersive learning opportunities for students built around real world scenarios and challenges.

"Our students have incredible raw talent, and they just need access to the best digital tools available in the market and knowledge of industry workflows. This will not only enable them to hone their technical and problem solving skills, but will be a source of competitive advantage to help them achieve their personal and career success," said Saki Mafundikwa, founder and director of ZIVA. "Working together, Autodesk and ZIVA will introduce students to new frontiers in digital design. This is also the first step towards encouraging the development of home-grown talent, and building a vibrant local animation industry with its own cultural identity that is renowned the world over."

The collaboration between Autodesk and ZIVA will also give students the opportunity to benchmark their skills through participation in regional and international design competitions organized by Autodesk; as well as validating their skills through Autodesk certification program which will be a source of advantage for the in their education and career.

"The media and entertainment industry in Southern Africa is growing and we want to inspire the next generation of local design talent to realize the full potential of their limitless creativity and gain the skills and exposure to seize opportunities and build rewarding careers. Over the past 19 years, all the winners of the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in Film used Autodesk solutions, and we would love to see some of the talented youth from ZIVA put Zimbabwe on the global media and entertainment map," said George Abraham, director of Education, Autodesk.
 
Autodesk provides free access to software to all schools in Africa via the Autodesk Academic Resource Center.

With this partnership, Autodesk significantly deepens its involvement with schools in Africa and further builds on the company's mission to provide students and educators with the technology to imagine, design and create a better world for future generations.

To request free access to Autodesk software for schools, please visit www.autodesk.com/academic.