The UNHCR released an article titled “Meet three fearless young refugees who are leaving a positive mark on their communities” and featured Evode Hakizimana, the co-founder of Transformation Innovation Hub (TIH), our SINA Community in the Tongogara Refugee Camp in Zimbabwe. The text reads:
“23-year-old Evode Hakizimana has spent his entire life in the Tongogara refugee camp in Zimbabwe. After completing his studies, Evode started brick molding to support his family.
In early 2019, he was selected by UNHCR to receive training and mentorship at the Social Innovation Academy (SINA) in Uganda for nine months. The program aims to equip young refugees with the tools they need to seek innovative solutions to their challenges.
While enrolled in the program, Evode came up with the idea of creating a project called the Transformation Innovation Hub (TIH) to improve the situation of young refugees in Tongogara. The project strives to empower refugees and disadvantaged local youths to pursue their ideas through social entrepreneurship.
With his motto always in mind — “do it now because later becomes never” — his project has supported the development of nine companies led by young refugees in two years.
In recognition of his hard work and dedication, UNHCR recently appointed him as a UNHCR Global Youth Advisory Council member. This appointment has given Evode a platform to amplify the voices of his counterparts and help them receive the tools they need to thrive.”