Rhoda Serene Care Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the rights and protection of vulnerable children and girls, youth and women, as well as people with disabilities, has recently embarked on a three-day empowerment training for young people in information technology.
The three-day training for beginners & intermediate level was held at Agege, Lagos, titled “Level Up: Essential Computer Skills for the 21st Century, held between Wednesday, 10th – Saturday, 13th, September 2025. Participants from Agege, Dopemu and its environs converged for the three-day event.
According to the organiser, the training aims to empower youth from underserved households and communities with limited access to computers and the internet by equipping them with essential digital skills.
The NGO stated that it is contributing its quota to changing the global narrative that only 33% of children have internet at home, with huge gaps between high- and low-income nations.
The project was also aimed at commemorating September’s World Suicide Prevention Day/month 2025.
Rhoda Olorunfemi, Executive Director of Rhoda Serene Care Foundation, stated, “We aim to bridge the digital divide, where only 33% of children globally have internet access at home, by empowering youth with computer training and digital literacy skills to inspire hope and open career opportunities.”
She added that the training is a holistic and long-term project to support community-based digital skills programs to bridge the gap; promote digital literacy and skills training; encourage public-private partnerships; and innovate with new technologies.”
Shedding light on how the training will help prevent suicide, Rhoda said, “This will help them manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, and develop resilience to reduce the cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally.”
“It will significantly reduce stress and depression levels, which may tend to lead to suicide and suicidal thoughts,” she added.
Esther Joseph, the project coordinator, emphasised that the success of the initiative relies on delivering locally relevant content, ensuring reliable electricity, and securing ongoing support from stakeholders to sustain the program.
“We understand that this kind of project is capital, time, energy and human resources demanding; it needs the support of stakeholders to ensure this project doesn’t stop here, especially for those whom we intend to put on scholarship.”
A local survey revealed that most participants lacked prior computer knowledge and were eager for hands-on experience to learn how computers work.
The Rhoda Serene Care Foundation, formerly Serene Early-Trobb Concept, launched the event with welcoming icebreaker introductions. The first day’s topic, “Getting Started with Computers & Digital Basics,” covered essential sessions on computer components, basic operations, and file/folder management.
Days two and three focused on productivity tools and internet skills, including MS Word and PowerPoint basics, safe browsing, search engines, and email, with practical tasks for beginner and intermediate levels.
The grand finale emphasised creativity, collaboration, and next steps, featuring a recap, motivation on how digital skills unlock opportunities, and an introduction to Photoshop.