we are uncommon

Our goal is to make Zimbabwe the most tech literate country in Africa. And then
replicate our model in developing communities around the world.

the problem

Software is evolving too quickly for most humans to
keep up, and billions are being left behind.

the solution

Teach everyone how to code and leverage the AI
tools that are shaping our world.

our story

Uncommon.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in New York with program operations in Zimbabwe through the Uncommon.org Trust.

We are worried about the digital divide and believe that the best way for humanity to thrive in the era of Artificial Intelligence, is for everyone, everywhere to learn how to code and build with AI tools.

In 2023, we provided free, in-person computer coding lessons to over 5,000 youth and unemployed young adults in Zimbabwe who survive on less than $5 per day. Over the next few years, our goal is to expand nationwide and help everyone learn how to code.

Our goal is to take the best of the nonprofit and for-profit sectors to build a scalable and financially sustainable nonprofit that is truly, uncommon.

our model

innovation hubs

We build state of the art, solar powered Innovation Hubs from old shipping containers to bring free technology education into low-income communities where infrastructure is nonexistent or obsolete.

bootcamps

From our Innovation Hubs, we run free, 12 month bootcamps designed to help unemployed young adults launch their technology careers.

youth coding

We offer free after-school coding classes for primary & secondary school students to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn how to code.

teacher training

We train, equip and empower school teachers to teach coding in their classrooms without the need for an Uncommon instructor onsite.

Uncommon mufakose students working together.

our
impact in 2023

We are so proud of the Uncommon team, students, partners and donors that made 2023 our most impactful year yet! We’re looking forward to building on this momentum in 2024. Thank you to everyone in the uncommon community for supporting our work!

5,112

Youth taught in our free after
school coding program.

117

Unemployed young adults enrolled in our
free, full-time technology Bootcamp.

50+

2023 graduates with full-time employment
in the technology industry, earning 4x their
surveyed peer group!

*Number increasing throughout the year.

uncommon talent

Uncommon graduates are entrepreneurial, curious and purpose minded young adults that have chosen to invest in themselves despite myriad life obstacles. Our free, Technology Bootcamp is a full-time program designed to help unemployed young adults living in Zimbabwe’s high density neighborhoods launch their careers in tech.

The Bootcamp is also about giving back and building the future Zimbabwe we all believe in. In addition to learning new tech skills, our participants teach free computer coding classes daily, providing an innovative learning experience to 1,000s of primary & secondary students at our partner Government schools.

Visit Talent Marketplace

uncommon teaching the teachers how to teach workshop

special thank you
to our uncommon
partners

We are grateful for each and every partner that has supported our students and team along this journey. From sponsoring entire communities, building Hubs, donating internet and gifting hardware, to guest speaking, mentoring students, hosting interns and hiring our graduates, there are tons of ways to get involved! Special thanks to the companies that are doing well and doing good. You are uncommon.

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