INFOHUT student discovers hope through education

IN Bulawayo, a programme called INFOHUT is helping young people. Over 720 students learn valuable life skills and how to use computers. This helps them make good choices about their health, education, and jobs.

INFOHUT was started by the Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA) to help young people in Southern Africa who never had a chance to learn life skills.

INFOHUT is free of charge for students (it costs US$50) and anyone can join, no matter their grades. The programme runs for six months and teaches computer skills, life skills, and about HIV and Aids. There are classes four times a year and right now INFOHUT has locations in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

Presently, there are 13 centres around the country and these include Njube Youth Centre, Manama Bible School, Shashe Mission, Beitbridge Mission Primary School, West-Nicholson Mission Primary School, Zezani High School, Mnene Mission Primary, Masase Mission, Chegato Mission, Vashandiri Study Centre, Burure Mission Primary School, Martin Luther Burure Secondary and the United Theological College (UTC).

INFOHUT wants to give young people the skills they need to be successful and make a positive difference in their communities. Most students find out about INFOHUT by hearing from friends or family.

“Our main partner is the National Aids Council and we also have other partners who focus on human rights issues, life skills, entrepreneurship, projects, love, and sexual reproductive health. One of our major partners is the police who come and teach our students on issues to do with the law, drug and substance abuse,” said INFOHUT regional coordinator, Chengetai Chifamba.

Chifamba also expressed a desire to expand the programme’s course offerings in the future. While students are currently attached to Lutheran church schools, she envisions including subjects like cosmetology and cooking to further broaden their skill-set.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) leader for the Western Diocese, Bishop Michael Dube, applauded the INFOHUT project for its transformative impact on young people’s lives.

“We’ve seen a significant change in behaviour and outlook among the youth who have gone through the programme. INFOHUT is not just about teaching computer skills, but also about empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to lead healthy, productive, and responsible lives,” he said.

“We’re grateful to see our young people becoming more confident, responsible, and purpose-driven, and we believe that INFOHUT is playing a vital role in shaping the future of our church and our community,” said Bishop Dube.

General-Secretary Munatsi Dube shed light on INFOHUT’s history, explaining that the programme has been around for a decade. Its mission? Equipping young people with life skills and HIV/Aids awareness, all delivered through the power of information technology.

“The programme has been at the forefront of educating young people on HIV and Aids awareness and that uses information technology to engage and educate students.”

Dube stressed the transformative power of the INFOHUT programme, highlighting how it has empowered countless young people to reclaim their lives.

“By providing a supportive environment and engaging activities, the programme has enabled countless youths to rehabilitate themselves and overcome various challenges. By keeping themselves busy with computer skills training, life skills development, and HIV/Aids awareness, these young individuals are able to redirect their energy and focus towards positive and constructive pursuits.

This not only helps them to overcome their past struggles but also empowers them to become productive members of their communities, leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life,” said Dube.

INFOHUT administrator, Memory Gwenzi, beamed with pride as she announced a significant increase in student enrolment. The programme has seen a surge in popularity, with the number of students jumping from 550 last year to a whopping 720 enrolled at the Njube Youth Centre this year.

“Our fees have remained the same since we started offering different courses at Njube,” said Gwenzi.
“We strive to be inclusive by catering to everyone, especially people with disabilities. We believe that technology should be accessible to all, and our program aims to equip individuals with the skills they need to succeed in today’s digital age.

“As we say, ‘Empowering you for a brighter future,’ and we truly believe that technology can be a great equaliser. By providing training in computer literacy and technology, we hope to empower individuals with disabilities to confidently pursue employment opportunities without feeling hindered by their ability to use computers or adapt to technology. Our goal is to create a level playing field and promote digital inclusion for all.”

Laimon Mwembe, a former convict now transformed into a dedicated student, spoke with heartfelt gratitude about the ELCZ. Their unwavering support, he emphasized, has been instrumental in his journey towards a brighter future.
“I am forever grateful to ELCZ for believing in me and investing in my future, since I started my studies at Njube, ELCZ has generously paid my fees, giving me a second chance at life.

Their support has not only helped me to acquire new skills but also to rediscover my purpose and reintegrate into society,” he said.

“I am now determined to make a positive impact in my community and prove that everyone deserves a second chance. I didn’t have computer skills and this is why I decided to come to this centre. The INFOHUT has changed me because I also got a chance to interact with different people from different backgrounds and I am very grateful that I got something to keep me busy, he said.

The INFOHUT programme’s journey began in 2007-2008 with a pilot project in a rural KwaZulu-Natal school, South Africa. After establishing a strong foundation, the project was successfully handed over to the local community, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

From there, LUCSA took the initiative to spread the programme’s benefits further. Between 2009 and 2016, they expanded INFOHUT to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCZ Namibia) and Malawi (ELCZ Malawi). This expansion empowered even more young people in these countries.

LUCSA’s dedication continues. They actively encourage other member churches to establish INFOHUTs in marginalised communities, fostering a spirit of knowledge sharing and uplifting countless lives across southern Africa. @Lo7246Lovelyn