Provide Training in Basic Computer Skills, MS Office Applications and the Internet

Technology can have its "drawbacks"… as many in the Developing world are discovering.

Unlike  the Developed World where there is free access to computers in schools, public libraries etc, such facilities do not exist in many developing countries.  Consequently, students who wish to acquire the “required skills” as stipulated in job applications have no recourse but to enroll in and pay for additional training in “computer schools” at predatory prices.  The practical barriers are tremendous and such training is often inaccessible to those who can barely make ends meet.

In an effort to respond to this situation and dire need, after conducting several interviews and carefully assessing the situation, Develop Africa, Inc., has decided to take proactive steps to provide the access to technological facilities and the necessary training that will empower the disadvantaged, making them better qualified and more productive individuals in their communities.

See pictures of the training session: Album 1: iEARN [1] Album 2 YEDEM [2]

The training and facilities offered in traditional schools and colleges has simply not caught up with the information age.  Tragically, the training offered does not adequately prepare graduates for such positions.  In many African Nations, 30 to 50 % of the population is under the age of 15.  Often, within the school and college system, there are no facilities for this budding population to learn how to use computers or to get any form of computer training.  At graduation, the majority of students have never used a computer, let alone received any basic training or education in “Information Age’ skills.  Inexperience with computer technology narrows the market. 

Our Projected Outcomes is to:

• Empower the youth in Africa to become computer literate and proficient
• Empower  the youths to become  viable and competitive  in the  job market
•  Develop  information technology skills necessary to become globally competent in today's market place.

As technology infiltrates the private and public sector, most of the decent paying jobs are increasingly requiring proficiency in computers and basic office applications.  Some job  applications are only being accepted electronically and the applicant must have an email address.  These stipulations have had the effect of “raising the bar” making even entry-level positions inaccessible or more difficult to attain.  

Our Current Ongoing Campaign

1.  Provide Basic Computer / Information Technology Training

2.  Launch Multi-Purpose Technology Centers throughout Africa (MPTC). 

Project Update:

As part of phase one, a team from Develop Africa provided basic computer / Information Technology training for youth in December 2006 and January 2007.  Training covered Microsoft Word and Excel, Introduction to Windows XP, and web design. The training was offered in the Gambia and in Sierra Leone and was offered free to youths and young adults.  

Is this training important and making a difference?   See and listen... in the words of a recent participant. [3]

Take Action: Donate NOW towards providing this essential training [4] 

Should you be interested in providing such training or in working us in contributing towards the development of these technology centers, please contact us [5].

Please see our page on the technology gap [6]

.