LOCAL tech firm 1010 Technologies has been awarded the prestigious Heart of Humanity Award by the Rose of Sharon Welfare Organisation, marking a significant milestone in corporate-led human capital development for Zimbabwe’s orphaned and vulnerable children.
The award honours the company’s inclusion of professional skill-building within its philanthropic framework, moving beyond basic aid to a model that prepares a generation for professional careers.
The ceremony, held in Harare recently, underscored a two-year partnership that began as a memorial tribute to a young boy and has since evolved into a strategic corporate social responsibility initiative.
Speaking during the award ceremony, 1010 Technologies director Mr Laurence Sher said the partnership was born out of a desire to create a lasting legacy following a personal loss.
He emphasised that the firm selected Rose of Sharon only after a rigorous vetting process to ensure transparency and measurable real-world impact.
“We entered into this partnership around two years ago to honour a young boy who passed away,” Mr Sher said.
“We did the homework to find an organisation that makes an impact and does what we all expect charity to do, and Rose of Sharon came out with flying colours.”
The firm’s motivation, he said, extends beyond simple donations, focusing instead on long-term human capital development.
He also said the organisation has successfully transitioned children from vulnerable backgrounds into university, a move he described as a catalyst for “generational change”.
“When those children become doctors, lawyers or accountants and enter the private sector, we hope they remember where they came from and ensure there is a payback to the community. This makes it a long-lasting thing,” he added.
Head of Rose of Sharon Dr Fatima Maruta provided a report on the organisation’s recent achievements to illustrate the fruit of the investment.
She said 14 students enrolled in university last year to study medicine, pharmacy, law and accounting, with another 16 expected to this year.
“These are children who were once overlooked and counted as nothing,” Dr Maruta said.
“Today, they are becoming something extraordinary.”
The organisation’s school was recently recognised as the Number One Best Independent College in Zimbabwe for Zimsec A-Level results, a milestone Dr Maruta attributed to the synergy with corporate support.
She thanked the tech firm for going beyond financial aid to restore the dignity of the children.
“Because of partners like you, our children do not just eat — they are nourished. They do not just learn — they are empowered. You have reminded them that they matter,” she said.
Mr Sher challenged other business leaders to look beyond their own families and support vulnerable youth as a collective responsibility.
“We can’t only say ‘what do our own children need’; there are others. Pass on the message to other people in business who have the ability to donate. This is a worthy cause; it’s not for the dreamers—this is real and it makes a difference,” Mr Sher added.-herald
