Tabitha's interest in computers began in 2nd grade when she had a computer science class. Later she earned a degree in electronics engineering but it was NetHope Academy that gave her her first internship and first certification. Although the job market in Haiti is tough, she says NetHope has given a lot of hope to young professionals including herself: she now has a job at a small business! Now, she's fundraising for the next class of Haitians who wish to attend NHA!
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.
