Abuja – Nigeria
Over 100 Vulnerable Adolescents Gain Skills at Technology Hub
Over 100 vulnerable adolescents and young people (AYP) are accessing free digital and technology skills at a state-of-the-art novel tech hub in Abuja established by the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) with funding from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), Nigeria.
The hub is run by Heal the Youth Foundation, a Community-Based Organization, and started operations in February 2024. It offers training in information communication technology, web applications, mobile applications, web development, content creation, robotics, catering, dance, make-up artistry, nail technology, hairdressing, photography, and videography.
IHVN Technical Adviser Prevention, Care and Treatment, Mrs. Jummai Musa says that “the Tech Hub promotes the well-being of Adolescents and Young People (AYP) by offering a variety of services and resources tailored to their unique needs. These services include, comprehensive health services, mental health, life skills training, social engagement and community building skills in a safe space to promote creativity and teamwork. The existence of the Tech Hub has expanded reach and added value to the OVC program in the community.”
Mrs. Musa adds that “the hub collaborates with an IHVN supported community-based organization to enroll eligible adolescents and young people of between 10-24 years who are HIV positive or negative and who are in-or-out of school.”
Executive Director of Health the Youth Foundation, Ms. Aji Robinson, says the hub is fully equipped with facilities to train young people in digital technology.
“We also teach them leadership, life-building skills, and entrepreneurship skills. The hub caters to those who might not have had the opportunity to learn these skills. It is located in Kurudu in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). Some had not touched the computer before, but now they can build websites. Some are developing codes to build mobile apps. We have seen some who have come to the hub unable to express themselves now doing so with confidence.”
The young trainees in the hub identify themselves as Dazzlers. Ali Ene, one of the Dazzlers, says that, the hub is a second home. “It is a home full of joy, happiness, learning and innovation. Everyone is cheerful. I am currently learning digital marketing, catering, and nail technology,” she says.
Another Dazzler, Musa Kabir says that he has gained ICT skills. “I was unable to operate the computer when I started, I didn’t even have access to one. Now I can use one. I have learned web development and coding. I have gained from the hub and I am grateful for it.
Divine O. journeys more than 30 kilometers to and from the hub. She says that at first, her mother was hesitant to allow her to go to the hub because of the distance but she was determined to learn when she was told that transportation cost would be provided. She joined the hub in February 2024.
“My story is that I never imagined I would hold a camera but the hub has made it possible. I also did not know that I could fix nails but now I can. I also post content online from the hub on social media and have gotten more than 3,400 followers. In the next five years, after I gain a B.Sc. in Sociology, I hope to become a CEO of an enterprise that combines all that I have learned from the hub,” she says.
The hub enrolls adolescents in batches and groups them in teams with separate time slots to learn skills of their choice. It has facilities such as a library and a clinic for health awareness creation and regular checks by an experienced nurse.
For PR/Media inquiries please contact:
Uzoma Nwofor
Snr Communications Manager
Institute of Human Virology Nigeria
[email protected]
