Community Innovation Hubs
At the heart of our grassroots model are Community Innovation Hubs (CIH) that serve as catalytic centers for digital empowerment in rural areas and underserved urban areas. Each Hub is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with:
- Affordable internet connectivity and computer labs
- Specialized digital skills training rooms
- Co-working spaces and innovation incubators
- Makerspaces with 3D printers, printers, electronics equipment etc
- Community engagement halls
- Books and Press Articles for the public to access
The Hubs also provides a holistic suite of interventions tailored to the local context. These are provided by our network of tech specialists who interact with participants through virtual platforms. Some of the offers at the CIHs include:
- Digital literacy and 4IR skills development programs for the public, CSOs, Media and government officials. This includes digital safety and security training.
- STEM/ICT education for youth (our target is to have 55% female participants in every group)
- Business incubation support for tech entrepreneurs
- Digital rights awareness initiatives
- Grassroots innovation challenges
Our flagship Hub in Lesotho has just been launched in 2024 in Ha Mabote, Maseru, with scale-up plans to establish at least 25 fully operational Hubs nationwide by 2030.
Digital Literacy Training
The foundation of our work is building digital literacy capacities. Our multi-level, contextualized curriculums cover basics like computer operations to more advanced skills:
- Fundamentals: Device operations, internet navigation, cybersecurity
- Productivity: Office suites, cloud collaboration tools
- Media Literacy: Content creation, evaluating online information, copy rights, digital security
- Digital Citizenship: Online ethics, rights and responsibilities
- Tech for Development: Platforms to effectively make money online,
- Support in developing and running e-governance services
We utilize blended learning approaches including in-person workshops, online modules, and localized multimedia training kits.
Community Technology Access
Given infrastructure gaps in rural areas, we establish community technology access points to bridge the digital divide. Our solutions include:
- Solar-powered computer labs and internet facilities
- Mobile tech bootcamps touring remote villages
- Low-cost device financing and repair services
- Repurposing e-waste into affordable community tablets/PCs
These demand-driven interventions empower rural populations to acquire digital skills and connectivity.
Civil Society Monthly Journal
To foster greater coordination, knowledge sharing and public awareness around civil society's work, LIFA publishes a monthly journal in each of our country operations. The journal serves as a vital platform capturing:
- Featured reports and activity highlights from grassroots to national CSOs
- Upcoming events, programs and advocacy campaigns
- Analyses on pressing social issues and development priorities
- Guidance for communities on accessing CSO assistance/services
This multi-stakeholder publication amplifies underrepresented voices while increasing transparency and visibility into the nonprofit sector's efforts.
The inaugural edition will be piloted in May 2024 in Lesotho, leveraging partnerships with media experts like Phela Communications for Development - which has over 30 years of experience publishing social development books. The journal will have an online version optimized for accessibility with future plans to print high-quality hard copies. User-friendly public engagement channels will allow readers to comment, share stories, and explore ways to get more involved.
As the journal expands, it will serve as an increasingly vital tool for CSO coordination, citizen empowerment through information, and driving greater collective impact.