Bellavista blog gives insight

Members of the Bellavista Technohub Computer Clubhouse have launched their blog, along the way learning that hard work will pay off.
MUCH learning and hard work has been going on at the Bellavista Technohub Computer Clubhouse, where youngsters have been feverishly beavering away at getting to grips with technology.

ZolaZola shares his life experiences with Bellavista youngstersAnd to mark their end of year, they officially launched their blog, where they detail their work and give an insight into their daily lives.

Scores of Bellavista community members and youngsters from the club were at the launch, held at Museum Africa, in Newtown, Joburg’s arts and culture hub, on 9 December.

There are four technohub computer clubhouses in Joburg, which are run by the City: Bellavista, Orange Farm, Jabavu and Randburg. Targeting disadvantaged children up to 18 years old, youngsters may join by returning an application form filled in by their parents, as they are minors.

Once a child is a member of a club, he or she has access to computers, although not to the internet. These clubhouses introduce learners to subjects and careers they may be interested in pursuing.

They can learn about computers and technology, get to grips with software and find guidance and mentorship from the managers of the clubhouses and other people and private sector companies that offer their expertise.

Zola
Bellavista Clubhouse members at the launch of their blogThe blog will give Bellavista Clubhouse members a chance to share their life experiences with the publicZola, the reality television star, actor and kwaito musician, was at the celebration, where he shared his experiences of fame, fortune, success and hard work. Zola – whose real name is Bonginkosi Dlamini – didn’t hide any truths. He covered topics such as music, boys, success and planning for the future.

He also stressed the importance of education, saying he had studied anthropology, psychology, business English and arts management. “Because of the times I lived in I couldn’t finish. But whatever I got there has made me survive, especially psychology; I understand my people very well.”

Take your time in pursuing education, he added. “Study for your honours if you can. I wouldn’t have learned what I know if I didn’t set foot in a tertiary institution.”

Speaking about his own difficult upbringing, he said: “You can conquer anything in front of you if you believe in yourself. Your background doesn’t define who you are as a person but where you are going will become your fault. All of you have a chance.”