Local gives less fortunate youngsters hope for a brighter future.
Shingirai Tashayawedu (31) has been giving free computer courses for prisoners and the less fortunate youth in Springs through his organisation, Prisoners of Hope.
The IT consultant is the founder of the non-profit organisation which was established in 2010.
Shingirai says, “I want to make a change in the community and assist those who require basic computer skills.”
“Crime is a problem and the future of the youth needs to be changed. That change starts with each individual who can assist in helping others,” adds Shingirai.
Three-month computer courses are offered at a local Internet cafe in Springs to young people needing computer skills and a graduation is held when students complete the course.
Shingirai says, “I work mostly night shift as an IT consultant so my days are free to assist with courses for people looking to brighten their future.”
Courses include basic hardware, Internet and Microsoft.
A graduation ceremony was held in December for the 11 students who passed the course.
The new round of courses is planned for March.
On Friday afternoons he is based at a prison where he offers computer lessons to the younger prisoners.
“There was an open computer lab available at the prison and I volunteered to give the juvenile prisoners courses in computer skills at no charge,” says Shingirai.
Certificates are handed to all those who pass the classes.
Shingiria says,”It is my dream to open a mobile computer library to reach those people in need of assistance and skills training.”
