Returning from South Africa to Zimbabwe to Uncover Hidden Opportunities.
Founder of “No Gadgets Fun and Play”
”I am a ghetto girl from Mbare—a proud product of my roots, shaped by the streets of Warren Park and Tafara, and refined by my journey through South Africa and the Middle East.
In 2020, I made the decision to return home to Zimbabwe, having realized that there are plenty of opportunities in this country if you simply open your eyes and scan your surroundings. I didn’t come back just to work; I came back to build a legacy.”
My professional life has been a diverse tapestry: Marketing Consultant, Digital Entrepreneur, Counsellor, and Digital Skills Trainer. However, my most fulfilling role is being the founder of No Gadgets Fun and Play—a movement dedicated to reclaiming childhood in the digital age.
The Journey Home: The “No Gadgets” Queen
After building a career abroad, I returned to Zimbabwe with a clear mission: to follow my passion for counseling. As I approached my 40th birthday, a new purpose found me. Watching my own children—and children across the country—trapped in a cycle of screen time, I realized they were losing touch with the physical world.
As someone who grew up playing in the streets—returning home with “dusty legs and pure joy”—I realized the modern child was being robbed of vital life skills like resilience, conflict resolution, and authentic connection. I didn’t just worry; I acted. What began in July 2024 as a small holiday club in my living room has blossomed into a thriving enterprise.
Our Impact: More Than Just Play
We bridge the gap between the online and offline worlds, proving that childhood can be vibrant without a screen. Our offerings have grown to meet the needs of modern parents:
- Holiday Clubs & Saturday Events: Safe, curated spaces for physical play, teaching traditional games like pada, nhodo, and tsoro.
- Kids’ Parties: Bringing the “No Gadgets” philosophy to private celebrations.
- Parenting Masterclasses: Equipping busy parents with strategies to navigate the digital era.
- Offline Resources: Curating games and tools that foster family bonding.
Lessons from the Journey
Experience is Never Wasted: My marketing degree and the skills I gained while working abroad weren’t detours; they were the foundation for the content strategy that drives my business today.
Start Before You’re Ready: You don’t need a fancy logo or a storefront to start; you need a paying customer.
Show Up Consistently: There were days with only one or two children, but I delivered with the same enthusiasm as if there were a hundred. That consistency builds a brand.
Network is Net Worth: Applying for business programs (like the Stanbic Bank Business Clinics) transformed my approach. Never disqualify yourself from opportunities.
Know Your Worth: Transitioning from an unsustainable $5 fee to a model that reflects value ($15) not only saved my business but attracted a more dedicated community.
Looking Ahead
The digital world is here to stay, but it shouldn’t be the master of our children’s development. My vision is to:
Take the mission to schools, raising awareness about digital harms. Build dedicated physical play spaces across Zimbabwe and the region.
Continue advocating for a balanced lifestyle, ensuring our kids learn the life skills that can only be found in the “real world.”
”Technology is a tool, not a lifestyle. Let’s help our children find the balance between the digital glow and the sunlight of the playground.”
— Tinashe Jaricha
