The Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) collaborates with IBM to provide young women and men in Africa and the Middle East with free digital IBM training through digital skills, job preparedness, and business knowledge they need for successful professions, social well-being, and economic progress. Ugandan youths would be among the beneficiaries of this fantastic chance.
The DOT collaboration with IBM will work towards reaching at least 40,000 youths in 6 African countries like Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia and in The Middle East too. Working towards more inclusion, 70% of the youth will be women.
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By working with local organizations, Digital Opportunity Trust will help young people access IBM’s free Open P-TECH education platform via ptech.org can be accessed which will allow them to gain competency in basic technologies used in various industries. Such include AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity, along with professional workplace skills like design thinking, teaming, and presentations.
The free digital IBM training will address digital literacy and the existing gender gap
DOT said in a statement after the announcement this week, “The pandemic has laid bare the gaps and inequitable access to the digital literacy, employment and entrepreneurship skills that youth require to innovate, compete for jobs, or start businesses in a digital economy. The gender gap is extreme – with women over 50% less likely to be online than men in least developed countries where 390 million women remain unconnected.”
The free digital IBM training through its education platform together with DOT’s support through its network of young leaders will provide facilitation, coaching, and peer-to-peer talents that are crucial. All these contribute to the effectiveness, application and retention of online learning.
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Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Vice President and Global Head, Corporate Social Responsibility said, “Providing career skills to youth, particularly young women and those from under-resourced communities, can be life-changing.” With resources like IBM Open P-Tech bolstered by the efforts of organizations like Digital Opportunity Trust, we aim to advance equity and create access to opportunity.”
Not only does the collaboration bring free digital IBM training closer to youths, but also introduces complementary experience and assets: IBM with its technology and business expertise, and DOT with its extensive channels to youth and local community ecosystems. DOT’s research shows that young people with these skills become the leaders and contributors to the digital transformation of their communities, countries, and economies.
Since its founding in 2001, Digital Opportunity Trust has worked as a development innovator and catalyst in 25 countries, with locally managed offices in Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania. DOT works with youth, the private sector, governments and community-based groups for a collaborative, socially innovative vision of communities around the world.
The free digital IBM training can be accessed through the Open P-Tech education platform via ptech.org to register or sign in.
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