WEEK 7 REPORT

INTRODUCTION
The seventh week had a plethora of activities which had to be carried out by the student.
Some of the activities

which the student had to carry out include filling the colluded

questioners, office routine out, making follow ups on individual questioners and doing office
routine.
Objectives of the report

To clearly outline all the activities which transpired during the seventh week
To highlight the lessons learnt and the challenges experienced during the week
To show achievements and application of theoretical concepts and skills acquired for

a development studies student

To highlight strengths and weaknesses of the student and remedies to weaknesses

Activities

Filling of the collected questioners

Making follow-ups on distributed questioners

Offline routine work and distributing delegated tasks

The student got preoccupied with the filling of collected questioners. As part of the
student task she created files in which those documents were to be kept safely before

they were entered into the computer.

The student was also involved in printing, photocopying materials that were to be

used in the office.

The student also took care of all the calls that were to be made in the offices

Making follow ups

The student was assigned to write a vehicle request letter to the administration so that the
department would be able to make follow ups. As soon as the vehicle was granted the
department, the group proceeded to make follow ups. These follow ups were made to those
organisations that did not manage to fill the questioners during the time they were distributed.
Follow ups were done on the 4th day of the week. Questioners were filled in by organisation

such as BLESS the children, MSF, Restless development, Save the children as well as schools
like Heritage High School, St Georges, Hatcliffe High School.
Lessons Learnt
Follow ups are important to ensure that data is collected and kept for future use.

Skills and experience obtained as a development studies student

The student managed to consolidate her communication skills due to interaction

different people from different organisations.

Application of development studies theoretical concepts, courses and principles

Project development and management theoretical concepts were put into practise by

the student during the follow up. This is supported by French (1996)
Communication skills were put into practise during the follow up process as well as
she was doing or undertaking delegated tasks.

Strengths
The student managed to undertake delegated tasks and make follow up on behalf of the
organisation.
Challenges
Some organisations were not willing to the organisation required data.
Remedies to weaknesses

Time management helped the student to the delegated tasks in time

The student kept being persuasive to those organisations which were refusing to
release data.

Recommendations
There is need for the organisation to plan all their activities in time.

WEEK 8

A report showing activities for the week ending on 24 November 2012

Acronyms
ZIMSA
ZIMSTAT
UNICEF
Introduction
The greater part of the week was spent on making preparations for the African Statistics day
and attending the discussions for compendium statistics at Jameson hotel.

Objections of the report

To give an outline of all the activities that transpired during the week.
Activities

updating financial records and other documents in the office

attending the workshop of the compendium of Statistical concepts and definitions

with NSS members and stakeholders

preparations for statistics day
attending the African Statistics day at Rainbow Towers hotel

Office routine work and undertaking delegated tasks

The student got preoccupied with updating the financial records and other documents in the
office. As part of the student delegated task she printed and photocopied the documents that
were to be used in the office. The student gained a lot of experience in this office as many
tasks were directed to her. The student also took part in the distribution of T-shirts, umbrellas
and caps in preparations for the African Statistics day.
Attending the Conference at the Jameson Hotel
On the 3rd day of the week, the student, in company of the other students were assigned to
attend a workshop at Jameson Hotel where they was the discussion of the compendium of
statistical concepts and definitions with ZIMSA members and stakeholders. The workshop

took part from 10 am on Wednesday 22 November. At the workshop there were different
organisations which included the ministry of health, that of gender and empowerment and
that of International trade and the members of the ZRP. The workshop highlighted how data
collected was to be used in statistics. Some of the definitions which were explained in
statistical terms include poverty statistics, economic statistics, environmental statistics,
science

and

technological

statistics,

information

and

communication

technology,

geographical and mapping concepts. This was of importance to the student as they was much
relevance to the studies as there was much relevance to her studies which she did at
university. This also helped the student to interact with other people from other organisations.
Attending the African Statistics Day
On the 26th of November, the student attended the African Statistics Day at Rainbow Towers
hotel in Harare. The programme started with a march from Harare Town House to the Hotel.
The theme was, engendering gender statistics for better development outcomes. The
African statistics was founded by UNICEF. The other organisations that were present include
the ministry of gender and empowerment, ministry of child welfare among others. It was
said eta the conference that gender statistics were good for assessing the difference between
men and women and they also help in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of policy
formulation. A representative of the United Nations also gave a speech and outlined that
gender development statistics is fundamental for the development of MDGs since it is line
with the MDG goal 3. All these activities took place before lunch.
After lunch a New Zimbabwe Statistics Database was launched. ZIMDAT is a database
national chosen indicators. It is located at ZIMSTAT. However the first ZIMDAT was
disseminated in September 2008. The 2012 ZIMDAT contains most of the identified
indicators. ZIMDAT is a general purpose database system for the collection and presentation
of data on human development. The software can be customised as an integrated part of
nationalising, MDG, building the necessary capacity for monitoring process. The database
was developed from Devinfo software. The software was adopted by the United Nations as a
tool for monitoring MDG indicators. ZIMDAT can be used to monitor poverty reduction
strategy, Zimbabwe United nations Development Assistant Framework [ZUNDAF} and other
national development initiatives.
Lessons Learnt

I learnt how data produced at ZIMSTAT is being kept

How to use ZIMDAT software
Interacting and creating networks with various organisations and business
entrepreneurs help to open up business opportunities that could be of fundamental

importance and assistance after completion of the degree.

Informal businesses can merge and start producing a wide range of products with
better quality

Skills and experience acquired as a development studies student

Attending the Compendium definition of statistics and the Africa statistics day helped the
student to network with other organisations, helped the student to develop verbal skills
and interpersonal, negotiating, networking skills and also did research as face to face
interviews.
Application of theoretical concepts, principles and approaches
Managed to apply qualitative research methods and techniques at the discussion of
Compendium Statistical definitions and also at the Africa Statistics day using face to face
interviews as stated by Neumon [2003].
Attending of the African Statistics day called for the poverty and development coarse
,research techniques and data analysis which the student did at college.

Strengths
The student managed to attend both the African statistics day and also the compendium
for statistical definitions.
Challenges/ weaknesses
The student was under a lot of pressure as there were many activities during the week.
Remedies to the weaknesses

Recommendations
The organisation should make the student participate in some workshop as it helps them
to gain a lot of experience.

WEEK 9
A report for the activities carried on for the week ending 30 November.
Acronyms
RDCs

Rural Development Councils

ZIMSTAT

Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency

Introduction
The greater part of the week was spent in the office doing some routine work. The student
photocopied and printed all the material used in the office. She also communicated with
the rural district councils who had not sent the financial statements.
Objectives

To clearly outline all the activities which transpired during the seventh week
To highlight the lessons learnt and the challenges experienced during the week
To show achievements and application of theoretical concepts and skills acquired for

a development studies student

To highlight strengths and weaknesses of the student and remedies to weaknesses

Activities

Office routine work

Making reminders to RDCs so as to send their financial statements

Office routine work and undertaking delegated tasks

The student got occupied with making phone calls to different RDCs so that they would
send their annual financial statements. This was a challenging task to the student but
however helped the student improve her interacting tactics. However the student faced a

lot of challenges as she was undertaking these tasks. The student also had to print and
photocopy all the material to be used in the office.
Lessons Learnt

Patience is needed
Follow up is important since it reminds and force reluctant organisations to
cooperate.

Skills and experience acquired as a development studies student

The student managed to consolidate her communication skills due to the interaction with
different RDCs
Application of development studies theoretical concepts, courses and principles

Application of computer science techniques were applied as the student was

printing and photocopying documents

Communication skills were also applied

Strengths
The student managed to attend and represent the organisation as she made some goals.
Challenges
Some phone numbers were wrong, while some RDCs claimed to have sent the reports to
the organisation.
Remedies to challenges
Located addresses from the local government
Recommendations
The organisation should collect data from the local government as it is easy to access.

WEEK 10

A report of the week ending on 7 December.

Acronyms
NIPSH
ZIMSTAT

NON PROFIT INSTITUTIONS SAVING HOUSEHOLD

ZIMBABWE NATIONAL STATISTICS AGENCY

Introduction
The greater part of the week saw the student making follow up to the distribute questioners.
The student was assigned to collect 2011 questioners as most of the organisations had given
the company 2009 and 2010 questioners. The student was also involved in typing and
printing of materials and also undertaking other delegated tasks.
Objectives of the report

To clearly outline all the activities which transpired during the seventh week
To highlight the lessons learnt and the challenges experienced during the week
To show achievements and application of theoretical concepts and skills acquired for

a development studies student

To highlight strengths and weaknesses of the student and remedies to weaknesses

Activities

Collection of the NPISH questioners to various institutions

Undertaking delegated tasks
Collection of the 2011 NPISH questioners

The greater part of the week saw the student making follow up collecting 2011 distributed
questioners. The student firstly was assigned to fill the vehicle request form and submit it
to the administration department. The process did not take long as the vehicle was granted
in 30 minutes. The student was assigned to lead the other students as they proceeded to
collect questioners from organisations such as Africare, Bless the child, German agric,
Global life foundation, Oxfam, Leonard Cheshire among others. These organisations
owed the organisation the 2011 questioners which they had not submitted which left the
organisation with no option but to make follow up. This helped the student to improve her

interacting skills as well as confidence to meet various people from different

organisations.

Office routine work undertaken

The student also got pre-occupied by printing and photocopying all the materials to be
used in the office for the week. The student also answered some calls directing them were
they had to go.
Lessons Learnt

Good communication skills and courage

Cope well with pressure
Gained much confidence as I interacted with different individuals

Skills and experience acquired as a development studies student

Computer science skills were applied

The student applied Project Development and Management concepts of project
evaluation and management

Strengths
The student managed to work under maximum pressure
Challenges

The student faced challenges in trying to compile all the reports for the field activities
since all the reports for the previous weeks were awaiting to be compiled by the

student.
Some organisations still refused with their information as they made unnecessary
arguments

Remedies to weaknesses
Commitment and time management helped the student
Recommendations
The student should plan ahead so as to reduce pressure.

WEEK 11
Report of the activities carried out for the week ending 14 december.
Acronyms

NIPSH
ZIMSTAT
Introduction
The main highlight of the week was collecting NIPSH questioners from schools. The
student also took part in doing the office routine work, thus printing and photocopying of
the materials to be used in the office.
Objectives of the report

To clearly outline all the activities which transpired during the seventh week
To highlight the lessons learnt and the challenges experienced during the week
To show achievements and application of theoretical concepts and skills acquired for

a development studies student

To highlight strengths and weaknesses of the student and remedies to weaknesses

Activities

Collection of 2011 NIPSH questioners in schools

Office routine work

Undertaking delegated tasks

The student was delegated to collect 2011 NIPSH questioners from schools such as the
ZRP High school, Heritage High School, Hatcliffe 1 High School, St Georges High
School among others. As the student was collecting these questioners she simultaneously
distributed the national income questioners to colleges and universities. The student was
assigned to do some office routine work which included photocopying, typing and
printing some of the materials that were to be used by staff members. the student really
enjoyed doing delegated tasks as she had experience in doing them. This helped the
student to have the courage to ease up and feel at home.

Lessons Learnt
It is necessary to make appointments before making follow up and visiting organisations
Skills and experience obtained as a development studies student

The student managed to get interaction and communication skills through meeting

different people in different organisations

Computer literacy skills were gained through the typing and printing

Strengths
The student managed to complete all the delegated tasks on time
Weaknesses
Some organisations could not give information as they wanted the ED46 forms
Remedies to weaknesses
The student managed to request the ED46 form from the ministry of education
Recommendation
The organisation should always collect an ED46 form from the ministry of education for
the easy collection of data from schools.
WEEK 12
A report of the activities on week ending 21 December 2012
Acronyms
NIPSH
ZIMSTAT
Introduction
The 12th week saw the student spending much of the time in the office as she was assigned a
lot of tasks in the office. Some of the activities which the student was assigned included
updating the register for charity organisations, universities and colleges, joining the
preparations for the Household Targeting Surveying as we the materials to the
respective provinces.
Activities

Updating the NIPSH register for charity organisations, university and colleges.
Undertook the delegated tasks from the prices section

Undertaking the delegated tasks

The student spent the week in the office as a lot of things which were done in the office
required her attention. The student was assigned to update the register of the charity
organisations, universities and colleges. She also joined the students from the Pricing
department which was sending the materials to all provinces in preparation for the Household
Targeting Survey. The student also took part in addressing the materials were being sent to
provinces. This helped the student as she managed with the other students who were attached
in the organisation. This also helped the student to know some of the things that were done by
the organisation.
Lessons Learnt

The student managed to have an insight on how events are organised

The student enhanced her communication skills as she interacted with other students
Correct addressing is important when sending documents

Skills and experience obtained as a development studies student

Vibrant communication and interpersonal skills were obtained
Application of theoretical concepts, principles and approaches
Introduction to computer science were applied during updating of registers (French 1996)
Challenges
The student had problems with time management as she was assigned many tasks
Remedies to the weaknesses
Time management is of great importance even if one is assigned many tasks
Recommendations
The organisation should let permanent staff members help student when carrying out difficult
chores
WEEK 13
A report for the activities on the week ending 4 January 30, 2013

The whole week of the 13th week was spent in the office. This marked the first week in the
office in 2012. The main highlight of the week wax attending the New Year opening meeting.
Office routine work was also undertaken, as well as the distribution of letters or reminders for
national income data and financial statements for parastals in Harare.
Objectives of reports

To clearly outline all the activities which transpired during the seventh week
To highlight the lessons learnt and the challenges experienced during the week
To show achievements and application of theoretical concepts and skills acquired for

a development studies student

To highlight strengths and weaknesses of the student and remedies to weaknesses

Activities

Attended a new year opening meeting

Updating NIPSH register for hospitals and clinics
Distributing reminder letters for National Income data as well as financial statements
for 2011 and 2012.

Objectives of the opening meeting

Feedback of ones progress for the previous year

Giving an outline of the 2013 work plan

New year opening meeting

The meeting was held on the 2nd of January 2013 since it was the day the members of the
organisation resumed their duties after the holidays. The purpose of the meeting was to
make the staff members and the students to give feedbacks of the previous year. This
meant that every member was to give a report on what they achieved the previous year
including the challenges they faced, their strengths and the remedies weaknesses as well
as recommendations to the organisation. However the student assumed the secretarial roll
as she took down the minutes of the meeting.
Undertaking the delegated tasks
The student spent some time doing office routine work and updating the NIPSH register
of clinics and hospitals. The student was also assigned to accompany the supervisor to
distribute reminders to parastatals so that they can send their national income data and

their financial statements. This was of importance to the student as it helped her to
improve her interpersonal skills as she moved from one parastatal to another.
Lessons Learnt

Meetings should be held for better and effective decision making process
To avoid confusion, there should be one person to whom instructions are taken and

feedback provided
Reminders are important as they remind the organisations and parastals that their data
is needed.

Skills and experience obtained as a development studies student

Computer literacy skills were also consolidated in updating and printing registers
Vibrant communication and a interpersonal skills were obtained from interacting with
members of different parastatals.

Application of theoretical concepts, principles and approaches

Computer science skills were applied in the process of printing and typing
Research techniques and data analysis concepts were applied as quantitative methods
such as interventions were used in distributing letters.

Challenges
The student had to take part in facilitating and minute writing whilst she was she also had to
pay attention to the 2013 work plan.

Remedies
Competence and time management helped the student to meet and overcome challenges.
Recommendations
The organisation should not be reluctant in collecting data. Thus data should be collected at
the specific time not after some time

WEEK 15
A report on the activities for week ending 11 January 2013
Acronyms
PICES
ZIMSTAT

Poverty Income Consumption Expenditure Survey

Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency

Introduction
The greater part of the week was spent in the office doing some delegated tasks. There was
less activity in the field and as such the student was devoted to offering matters, locating and
search of poverty income consumption survey (PICES) questioners which were wrongly
entered for verification and correction purposes. All these activities were delegated by the
supervisor.

Objectives of the report

lessons learnt and the challenges experienced during the week

To show achievements and application of theoretical concepts and skills acquired for

a development studies student

To highlight strengths and weaknesses To clearly outline all the activities which

transpired during the seventh week

To highlight the of the student and remedies to weaknesses

Activities

Distributing reminder letters for financial statements and national income statement to

parastatals around Harare

Locating and searching for poverty income consumption survey (PICES) questioners

which were wrongly entered for verification and correction

Moving unwanted boxes of used {ICES questioners to another office

Undertaking delegate tasks

the first two days of the week saw the student being delegated to distribute the reminders of
financial statements and national income statements. These reminder letters were written by
the student and were used to alert the parastatals that the organisation wanted data from them.
The student was also assigned to locate and search for poverty income consumption and
expenditure survey questioners which were wrongly entered for correction and verification as
this data was needed in the writing of the PICES report. The student was also assigned to
move the unwanted boxes of used PICES questioners from the office to the storeroom. The
student had a lot of activities this week which needed her attention.
Lessons Learnt

A student should always be humble and accept all duties as per instruction
Survey questioners with data should be kept safe until the results are processed (safe

keeping of data)
Learnt how to verify data with questioners using codes
The distribution of reminder letters to the parastatals helped the student to consolidate
her team spirit

Application of development studies theoretical concepts, courses and principles

Research methods and data analysis techniques were applied in distribution as well as

location of PICES questioniers

Social studies were applied thus social stratification as the student undertook most of
the delegated tasks

Strengths
The student managed to finish all the delegated tasks despite the pressure
Challenges
There was a lot of work to be done as compared to number of students attached
Remedies to challenges
The organisation should treat permanent staff and students WEEK 16
A report on activities for week ending 18 January 2013
Acronyms
HTS

Household Targeting Survey

ZIPAM

Zimbabwe Institute of Public Management

Introduction
This week saw the student attending the HTS enumerator training at ZIPAM in Norton. The
workshop started on the 15th of January

Objectives of the report

lessons learnt and the challenges experienced during the week

To show achievements and application of theoretical concepts and skills acquired for

a development studies student

To highlight strengths and weaknesses To clearly outline all the activities which

transpired during the seventh week

To highlight the of the student and remedies to weaknesses

Objectives of the training

To equip enumerators on how to collect data

To train enumerators on how to collect data
To give trainees on the insight on the problems faced in the field
The importance of the survey in the development of the economy

The HTS training

The nature of the HTS of 2012/13
The ZIMSTAT is carrying out the household targeting survey in 10 districts currently. This is
the second phase of the household targeting survey after the one in 2011 which was done in
10 districts. The 2012/13 HTS will be done in phases with the first phase covering three
districts which are Mudzi, Mwenezi and Binga. The second phase covering Bulilima,
Chitungwiza and Gokwe North. The third phase covers Bulawayo, Buhera, Bindura and
Zvimba. In addition the above 30 rural areas selected UMP, Chiredzi and Hwange will also
be covered. The 2012/13 Household Targeting Survey is designed to identify labour
constrained and food poor household.
Data Users
The data from HTS will provide valuable inputs into cash transfer programming
Areas to be covered

Household characteristics
Education
Health
Household size
Number of people with disabilities
Orphan food
Poverty food
Child protection violation
The sample design
PROVINCE
Bulawayo
Manicaland
Mash central

DISTRICT

NUMBER

Bulawayo
Buhera
Bindura

ESTIMATE
30 996
26 114
29 964

OF

Mash east
Mash west
Mat north
Mat south
Midlands
Masvingo
Harare

Mudzi
Zvimba
Binga
Bulilima
Gokwe north
Mwenezi
Chitungwiza

27 536
46 536
25 073
19 908
45 287
25 522
67 889

The role of an Enumerator

a. Activities before the data collection (pre-numeration phase) will include the
I.

following;
Reconnaissance identifying the numeration area (EA) by marking the

boundaries and segmenting the EA for enumeration phase

II.
Receiving documents and equipments from the team leader
III.
Identifying location of household
IV. Arranging appoints for the interviews
V. Preparing fieldwork itinerary for the survey
b. During data collection
I.
asking questions
II.
recording answers correctly
III.
editing completed questioners for example making appointments to visit to
IV.

visit household at convenient times

noting down any child protection issues indentified and informing team leader

of such issues
c. activities after data collection
I.
final editing of the questionnaires at the office
II.
submitting completed questionnaires and offer equipment to the team leader
III.
writing and submitting report to the team leader
Questionnaires to be filled during the survey

Questionnaire section F100-F101

Questionnaire section F112-121

Questionnaire section F122-F132

Questionnaire section F112-F121

Roles play (practicing interview and how to conduct on interview)

As the training all those who had attended the groups where divided into three groups
were created thus Harare and Midland are group one, second group Matebeleland
North, and Bulawayo as the third group. The three groups were further divided into
sub groups probably a group of 5 people. One individual in the group would be
selected to the interviewer while others were interviewees. The interviewer would use
all the tactics he/she had been taught so as to get data. The interviewee would try as
much as possible to make the interviewer to be live. This helped the student to gain
knowledge on how to conduct an interview. It also helped to improve her interacting
skills.
Introduction to child protection issues
The HTS are the most deprived and vulnerable households in the wards. Woman and
children living these households maybe vulnerable to exploitation or may be exposed
to violence and abuse. This protocol provided guidance for the student and others on
how to conduct themselves during the HTS as well as respond and report suspected
child protection and other serious violations. The student as well as other enumerators
were taught