EFFECTIVE project management and robust monitoring and evaluation systems are not optional in this day and age.
This was said by Institute of Sustainable Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (ISPPME) principal Lydia Magutsa at the institution’s third graduation ceremony in Gweru at the weekend.
One hundred and eleven students graduated with either a certificate, an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate diploma in Sustainable Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation.
“In a world defined by complexity — climate shocks, humanitarian crises, shifting economies — effective project management and robust monitoring and evaluation systems are not optional. They are essential,” she said.
“ISPPME has now equipped you to lead project management, turning each idea into structured, measurable action — your skills are needed now more than ever. But you will face challenges — budgets will be tight, timelines will shift, data will be messy, stakeholders will pull in different directions, above all, you are now ready.”
She added, “Graduates, take your next step boldly. Whether you are moving into new roles or building upon existing ones, never stop learning. The best professionals in our field are those who remain curious, humble and committed to continuous improvement. Let this qualification be more than a line on your CV. Let it be a call to action.”
ISPPME chairperson Munyaradzi Zhou said the third graduation ceremony was a celebration of ISPPME graduates’ “commitment, resilience, transformation and above all, the power of learning to change lives — not just for individuals, but for communities and nations — also considering that we have international students”.
He said the learners earned qualifications in Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation through online learning, which required extraordinary discipline and adaptability.
“It was not easy for some of you to balance your studies with work, family and other responsibilities, and you did so across countries, time zones and circumstances. Today, you have just proved the evidence that excellence in education is not confined by geography or infrastructure — but is driven by purpose, ambition and support. This success is your victory,” Zhou said.
“What you have achieved in Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation from ISPPME is more than just a professional field — but tools for transformation. You have acquired the skills to plan, execute and measure projects — that project initiatives are not only implemented, but evaluated, improved and aligned with real-world needs. You can now work in spaces where impact matters — in public sector reform, NGO programmes, private enterprise, health and education systems, humanitarian response and beyond.”
ISPPME alumnus Flaviano Chikonyora, who was the guest of honour, said the foundation laid during his time at ISPPME had been instrumental in shaping his professional path.
“Over the past 16 years, I have had the privilege of working in various capacities within the livestock and wildlife industries, gaining invaluable experience that enriched my understanding of technical issues,” he said.
“However, I soon realised that I lacked the project management, monitoring and evaluation skills necessary to support my technical expertise.
“It was not until I enrolled at ISPPME in 2021 that I became proficient in these critical areas essential for sustainable project development.”
He said in the past five years, he had managed dairy projects funded by the European Union (EU) and the Swedish embassy, adding that one notable initiative was a €7 million EU-funded project that significantly impacted local communities by enhancing dairy production and improving livelihoods.
Chikonyora added that he was working as a project officer overseeing an approximately US$4 million project funded by the Swedish embassy.”
