About Us

Yes Catholic Hangout is a faith-driven digital education and innovation hub founded by Rev. Fr. Oliver Ikenna Nwagbara of the Congregation of Christ the Emmanuel. Established on January 28, 2019, the organization was born out of a deep commitment to bridge the digital divide for marginalized communities across Africa, especially women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable adults.

Rooted in Catholic values and inspired by the call to service, we offer hands-on training in areas such as Frontend and Backend Development, Product Design, Video Editing, and Data Analytics. Our programs are designed not just to teach, but to empower, giving individuals the tools to build sustainable livelihoods, launch creative projects, and contribute meaningfully to society.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yes Catholic Hangout expanded its reach through virtual learning, relief initiatives, and partnerships across Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya. To date, we have trained over 10,000 beneficiaries in more than 15 African nations.

Beyond training, we build solutions. From hosting digital summits and faith-tech conferences to supporting churches and businesses with tech services, we are redefining what it means to serve through innovation.

Our motto “From Digital Poverty to Digital Dignity“ captures our belief that no one should be left behind in Africas digital future.

Join us as we continue to say yes to learning, to service, and to transformation.

The Centers Motto From Digital Poverty to Digital Dignity

Captures its enduring mission: to ensure no one is left behind in Africas digital revolution.

Sources: Insights synthesized from faith-based initiatives, African COVID-19 responses, and digital inclusion strategies. For specific program details, visit [Yes Catholic Hangouts official channels].

Challenges And Adaptations

Resources Limitations: Struggles with funding and infrastructure mirrored broader African challenges in tech equity.

Misinformation: Combatted vaccine hesitancy and tech skepticism through church-led campaigns.

Sustainability: Shifted to hybrid models (online/offline) post-pandemic to maintain reach.

Legacy And Future Directions

By 2025, Yes Catholic Hangout has trained over 10,000 beneficiaries across 15 African nations. Fr. Nwagbaras work exemplifies how faith and innovation can intersect to drive social change. Future goals include:

-Establishing digital hubs in every African diocese. -Launching a "Tech for Peace" program for conflict zones. -Expanding partnerships with global Catholic networks like Caritas and GAVI for scalable impact.

Mission:

To make Digital Education accessible and affordable to women, youths, vulnerable adults and displaced persons across Africa through strategic events.

Vision:

To become a global hub where Faith, Skills, and impact meet enabling individuals to learn, advance, get certified and employable. Helping people to rise from digital poverty to digital economic dignity through proper networking with global digital economy stakeholders.

Founding Visions And Early Beginings

Founding Visions And Early Beginings

Yes Catholic Hangout was officially founded on January 28, 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global systems. Fr. Nwagbara, recognizing the transformative power of technology, sought to create a platform that would democratize digital literacy in underserved regions of Africa. His vision was rooted in:

Empowerment through Education: Providing free or low-cost tech training to groups often excluded from digital opportunities, such as women in rural communities and IDPs.

Faith Based Community Building: Integrating Catholic values of service and solidarity into digital education.

Strategic Events For Advocacy:: Hosting conferences, workshops, and seminars to promote digital inclusion and sustainable development. The initiative began as a small hub in Nigeria, offering basic computer skills, coding workshops, and digital marketing training. Its name, Yes Catholic, reflects both a spiritual commitment (echoing the "yes" to God's call, akin to Mary's fiat) and a practical "yes" to innovation and growth.

Expansion During The Covid-19 Pandemic

The pandemic (2020-2022) accelerated the need for digital solutions, and Yes Catholic Hangout pivoted to:

Virtual Learning: Launched online courses when lockdowns restricted physical gatherings

Relief Programs: Distributed devices and internet data to IDPs and low-income students to ensure continuity of learning.

Collabrations: Partnered with local NGOs, dioceses, and tech firms like Africa CDC to scale impact, echoing the continent's broader resilience during the crisis.

Fr. Nwagbara emphasized “digital mercy“ using technology to alleviate suffering, inspired by Pope Francis' call for a "culture of encounter" in the digital age.

Key Programs and Impact

Women in Tech Initiations
Tailored training in web development, graphic design, and e-commerce for women, fostering financial independence.
Success stories include graduates launching online businesses or securing remote jobs.

IDP Digital Literacy Campus
Mobile training units reached displacement camps in Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya, teaching skills like digital storytelling and online safety.

Strategic Events
Annual African Digital Inclusion Summit, advocating for policy changes and corporate partnerships.
Faith-tech conferences exploring ethical AI and digital evangelization.

Covid-19 Response
Produced multilingual health awareness content and trained community leaders in telehealth tools.