Equipping school dropouts in Uganda with industry-ready
computer and digital technology skills

An initiative under the programme: Charity for ICT Skills

Challenges faced by school dropouts in Uganda

School dropouts in Uganda especially from unprivileged communities face significant challenges in securing meaningful employment opportunities or starting their businesses.

Why do individuals drop out of school

Key reasons that drive individuals to drop out of school may include poverty, cultural practices, early marriage, teenage pregnancies, child labor, loss of parents/guardians, and lack of access to quality education.

Purpose of the initiative

This initiative aims to provide computer and digital technology training to school dropouts from underprivileged communities in Uganda to equip them with industry-ready skills that will improve their livelihoods.

Methodology

Training is conducted in the form of boot camps that focus on a specific skill or set of skills.

Bootcamps are designed to provide participants with hands-on training and experience in a short period, typically lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Bootcamps are offered in a combination of both online and in-person targeting learners with varying levels of education and experience.

Each boot camp aims at providing participants with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a particular field or industry, often with a focus on job readiness and career development.

The programme covers topics such as;
Business Computer Applications
Coding
Web design
Graphic design 
Digital marketing

The curriculum is designed to equip the trainees with industry-ready skills that are highly demanded in today’s job market to enable them to secure employment opportunities or start their businesses.

To ensure that the trainees receive the best learning experience, the program will utilize a digital learning platform and collaborate with regional local training institutions to improve and/or leverage existing computer labs.


A modern training facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology will be set up in a central location in the capital city of Kampala.
The training is facilitated by experienced and successful trainers who have practical experience in the digital technology industry and are willing to mentor unprivileged Ugandans on a pro-bono basis.

Target Group

The project targets school dropouts from underprivileged communities in Uganda who are ready to restart their career and/or start a business in the computer and digital technology space.

The program prioritizes individuals who have completed at least primary school education and are interested in pursuing careers in the digital technology industry.

Expected outcomes

Providing computer and digital technology training to school dropouts from underprivileged communities in Uganda has several benefits and/or outcomes.

Providing
Employment Opportunities

School dropouts often struggle to find meaningful employment opportunities due to their lack of education and skills. By equipping them with computer and digital skills, we can provide them with better employment prospects, which can help lift them out of poverty and improve their livelihoods.

Fostering
entrepreneurship

 Digital skills training can also help school dropouts become entrepreneurs and start their businesses. By providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to utilize digital tools, they can create products and services that are in demand, leading to the creation of new businesses and job opportunities

Addressing
the skills gap

The digital economy is growing rapidly, and there is a significant demand for individuals with computer and digital skills. By providing training to school dropouts, we can address the skills gap and equip them with the necessary skills to compete in the job market

Bridging
the digital divide

In today’s world, access to technology and digital skills is essential for participating in modern society. By providing computer and digital skills training to school dropouts, we can bridge the digital divide and empower them to access and utilize technology to improve their lives

Personal
development

Learning computer and digital skills can also have a positive impact on personal development. It can improve self-confidence, increase creativity, and develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which can help school dropouts in their personal and professional lives.

Sustainability Approach

Below are some strategies to sustain this project that is aimed at equipping school dropouts from the unprivileged communities of Uganda with industry-ready computer and digital technology skills:

Partnerships

 Establishing partnerships with academic institutions, technology companies, and non-profit organizations to provide ongoing access to the necessary technology, resources, and expertise required to deliver effective training and support job placement.

Fundraising

 Securing grants from foundations, private donations from individuals, or corporate social responsibility programs.

Aluminai Network

Developing an alumni database tracking skills and employment of graduates. This network is to help ensure the continued growth and success of the project by providing a pool of potential volunteers, mentors, and donors.

Business Model

Developing a sustainable business model to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the project. This may involve charging for job placement services or developing partnerships with employers who provide funding for the project.

Government support

Securing government funding, advocacy for policy change, or establishing public-private partnerships.

Evaluation Framework

The effectiveness and impact of the project is assessed in the following ways

Training Evaluation: This involves evaluating how the training was delivered and collecting feedback from the participants on their experience to identify areas of improvement and ensure that the project is delivered effectively and efficiently and meets the needs of the participants.

Employment Outcomes: This involves tracking the participants’ employment status, including the number of participants who secured employment in the technology industry, the types of jobs they secured, and the wages they earned

Entrepreneurship Outcomes: This involves tracking the participants who have started and maintained any business.

Long-Term Impact: This involves evaluating the participants’ career progression, their contributions to the technology industry, and the impact of the project on their families and communities. The long-term impact evaluation would help assess the overall effectiveness of the project in achieving its goals and objectives.

Physical Address

contact

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