Digitalising the Roots: How Learner2Earner is enhancing income opportunities for Africans
Kampala- Uganda.
After just three weeks of training, participants in the #Learner2Earner digital skills training are now reaping big, thanks to their newly acquired skills.The Covid-19 pandemic has proven the importance of technology and digital platforms in supporting people search for information, stay connected, drive entrepreneurship, and access to education among others. Uganda has over 12.16 million internet users and 3.40 million social media users, an indication that many Ugandans are embracing digital platforms.
However a study by Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard on Uganda shows that only 26% of Ugandans are included in the digital-aided services and economic activities and the rest are largely left out. The three main obstacles to internet use are lack of free or affordable access to technology, a desperate need for computer and online literacy skills, and limited awareness about the wealth of information, education, employment, communication and other opportunities the internet has to offer.
With support from the Africa Development Bank Group’s #AfricaVsVirus Challenge, Doppler Technologies, an ICT startup in Uganda has availed a practical 3 weeks Digital Skills course to offer market relevant skills and teach Africans especially Ugandans how to Design websites, graphics and sourcing for clients on social media and digital platforms
Progress of the Initiative
Launched on the 25th of November 2021, the #Learner2Earner hybrid training attracted students from Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo , South Sudan, Malawi and Texas, USA. During the 3 weeks of study, Doppler Technologies’ tutors used a ‘concept to practice’ approach to ensure that the students practiced the skills concepts learnt immediately. Within the course of the 3 weeks, a number of students had made their first earning.
“I consider myself lucky to have met Doppler Technologies and to have my long time dream of learning Digital Marketing accomplished,” says Ms.Kellen Ampurira one of the participants in the #Learner2Earner training. She hopes to use the skills learnt to promote their TUHA salon and SPA business located in Naguru, Kampala.
I consider myself lucky to have met Doppler Technologies and to have my long time dream of learning Digital Marketing accomplished
Another one of the learners, Mr. Fabrice Kabombo a Congolese French teacher in Uganda says his biggest fear was not getting value for his money. “I visited the place and only deposited money for a week so that in case it wasn’t worth it, I would quit”, he says. “Seeing me here 3 weeks after and completing the course simply means that the course was worth the appointments I cancelled to attend the training.”, he adds. Like the rest of the learners, Fabrice has now learnt Website design, hosting, graphics design and digital marketing within the three weeks period and was awarded his certificate of completion.
Expected Impact
Through the #Learner2Earner initiative, Doppler Technologies hopes to help Ugandans and Africans at large leverage digital platforms to create new employment opportunities and increase personal income. “Digital opportunities have increased in Africa especially due to the Covid19 pandemic and these can easily become income opportunities for Ugandans and Africans at large”, says Mr. Donald Waruhanga, the CEO of Doppler Technologies. “Already we have seen progress with some learners of the first cohort who have initiated and opened up their personal enterprises.”, he adds.
An example is Mr. Denis Leju, a Senior five student from South Sudan who has launched his web hosting company and Mr.Claus Ssebugwawo, another senior five student at Mengo SSS in Kampala who has already embarked on building his idea of a website to help his peers access opportunities like scholarships, jobs among others.The #Learner2Earner initiative strives to be means to inspire the needed disruption in Africa’s digital standpoint that will usher in a new generation of economically independent Africans and new Innovations.
With more support from partners, Doppler Technologies hopes to equip upto 100,000 Ugandans and Africans with digital skills in the coming years.Doppler Technologies is a TOP 20 winner in the #AfricaVsVirus Challenge of the African Development Bank Group and its partners.
Go on Donald.
Am very lucky to be part of learners with Doppler technology now am able to do designs graphics flyers even to create websites and many things am so grateful cause this digital skills will change my life for Good
How|where can I get these people?
Hello Gerard, You can reach us on info@dopplertechnology.com or WHatsapp 0785730183