"People often say women can't do Information Technology, but I proved them wrong!" Through NetHope Academy Nathalie was given the opportunity to develop and demonstrated her practical IT skills every day via a 6-month internship at a global NGO. Now she's a proven, attractive resource to a potential employer. However her involvement with NHA doesn't end here: she is also fundraising for the next class of promising young Haitians. All of the money raised will go back to the NetHope Academy!
Haiti has a critical shortage of IT professionals. At the same time there are many unemployed Haitians that have completed 4 years of computer science education but can't get jobs because they lack the work experience that employers demand. The NetHope Academy identifies the "best of the best" unemployed youth and provides them with internships and the professional development they need to become employable.
The NetHope Academy is a "finishing school" of sorts providing promising young Haitians with the necessary on-the-job work experience that allows them to apply what they have learned in school. Over 80% of NetHope Academy interns have earned full time employment as IT professionals.
Haiti is rebuilding following the devastating earthquake in 2010. Information technology is seen by many as a catalyst for economic and social change. Virtually every sector including health, education, banking and government will be impacted by the move towards a 21st century information and communications driven nation.
