This is an attempt to decentralize the discourse of New Media and Citizen Journalism in Zimbabwe from Harare to other cities.
In 2014 there were Hub Un-conferences in Gweru and Bulawayo, which imparted skills to almost 200 students at MSU and almost 100 in Bulawayo. The day's programme at each venue featured leading practitioners in the fields of tech, new media and citizen journalism. The feedback was very positive and prompted Magamba Network to take it to Mutare.
The winning ideas were Schooly (an online network for high school education pioneered by students from St. Georges), SPIKED (an online voice for marginalized youth voices in the media), Zuru (an animated character aimed at helping young women through issues they may face) and the IAMZIMBO (a vlog interviewing leading Zimbabwean personalities about key social and political issues). All winning projects were awarded US$1,000 each towards launching the initiatives and building them into sustainable entities. Shoko Festival Director, Comrade Fatso, says “We are truly inspired by the daring new ideas that emerged from the Hub Un-conference and are happy that it proved to be a launch pad for a new generation of new media and tech platforms to help solve some of our country’s complex social and political issues.”
The Un-Conference organizing officer Nicholas Monro says “The Hub Unconference will be an event that celebrates innovation, new media and citizen journalism. It will be a pioneering space for Mutare's young tech enthusiasts to stake their claim in the country's future.”
The Hub Un-conference talks will be taking place around the country this year with a view to building online solutions to local problems. The Hub New Media Program is brought to you by Magamba Network.
Post published in: Arts