Midlands Content Creators Receive Digital Media Training

Gweru – Content creators from across Midlands Province completed an intensive three-day training programme designed to sharpen their storytelling, production and monetisation skills while encouraging them to tell original stories rooted in their communities.

The training workshop, organised through the American Corner Gweru, equipped 32 participants with practical skills in concept development, scriptwriting, authentic storytelling, content production, monetisation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Content creation specialist, Patrick Chasaya speaking during the training, said the programme was developed to address skills gaps in the rapidly evolving digital content industry and help creators transform their passion into sustainable careers.

"We wanted participants to understand the entire content creation process, from concept development right through to monetisation.

"Many people can produce content, but if that content cannot generate revenue, sustainability becomes a challenge," he said.

Chasaya said while many creators are self-taught, structured training helps refine critical skills, particularly in concept development and strategic planning.

"Some people believe creativity cannot be taught, but we believe there is a skills gap, especially in concept development.

"Creators need to understand what makes a compelling story before they begin production," he said.

The training focused mostly on practical learning, with participants actively developing and refining content ideas throughout the training.

On the growing influence of artificial intelligence, Chasaya said AI should complement rather than replace human creativity.

"We introduced AI briefly to show participants how it can assist with research and statistics, but we do not encourage creators to rely on it to generate entire scripts.

"We want people to tell authentic stories from their own communities because originality remains the foundation of meaningful content," he said.

Chasaya also introduced participants to a concept development framework which focuses on confidence, arrogance, remembrance and disruption as guiding principles for developing impactful content.

Speaking during the workshop, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) Midlands Provincial Arts Manager, Kumbirai Kupfavira urged content creators to embrace professionalism as the sector continues to grow.

"There is no harm in having skilled personnel within your business.

"Professionalising content creation will improve the quality of productions and create more sustainable creative enterprises," she said.

Kupfavira also commended American Corner Gweru for creating what she described as transformative learning spaces that empower emerging digital storytellers with practical industry skills.

Midlands State University Film and Theatre Lecturer Muchineripi Gwarinda, in the training closing remarks, applauded facilitator Patrick Chasaya for sharing his expertise, Beven Hungwe for coordinating the programme and Honour Muvango from the NACZ Midlands office, for mobilising aspiring content creators from across the province.

Gwarinda encouraged participants to continue networking, collaborating and sharing knowledge beyond the workshop.

"Content creators possess diverse skills. Continue networking, collaborating and supporting one another as you tell stories that reflect the realities and aspirations of your communities," he said.

Participants from across Gweru welcomed the practical nature of the training, saying it had equipped them with valuable skills to improve the quality, reach and commercial viability of their digital content while preserving authentic Zimbabwean storytelling.

The facilitator discouraged excessive use of AI in script writing saying it jeopardises creativity.