Digital skills to empower women & youth in Uganda

With your support we have provided 11 libraries in Uganda with portable routers and internet data bundles. In just one year (2022/23), these libraries trained over 2,200 people to use computers and to research the internet. They also reached another 8,000 people through outreach programmes in schools, markets, church halls and other community spaces. 

The training is empowering entrepreneurs and energizing micro-enterprises across the country.

In Nyarushanje (Western Uganda) young mothers and out-of-school youth are earning a living making clothes after using YouTube videos to learn new tailoring designs. "I was not familiar with many designs of Bitenge dresses and shirts, but after I learned how to make them I am now getting so many customers,” said Elspeth, who learnt how to use computers and research the internet at Nyarushanje Community Library and Empowerment Center.

At the same library, young mothers have learnt hairdressing, and how to do manicures and pedicures from YouTube videos, skills which they now put into practice in a local beauty salon.

In Nakaseke (Centeral Uganda), librarians visit their local high street, meeting entrepreneurs and introducing new technology tools and digital resources useful for their businesses. Thanks to this library outreach programme, Carol’s ice-cream shop - the first ever ice-cream shop in Nakaseke - now uses new recipes from the internet to make ice-cream for their happy customers.

At Yiga Bookshop, Jason was able to help his father’s business through the COVID-19 pandemic after ICT skills training at Nakaseke Public Library. “The most inspiring topic in the course for me was desktop publishing. Now, I have introduced computer and printing services to the bookshop. We have bought a computer and I design school badges, stamps and exercise books – we are planning to buy a colour printer to print exam revision papers and posters in bulk.”

We have many other stories like these - thank you again for your support!

Links:

• 'Now I have a job!' Library ICT training changing lives.

“I thank this programme that has helped those who had great fear of computers," said Esther, a policewoman in the town of Bugiri in Eastern Uganda. 

Esther is one of over 250 people who completed computer and internet training at Bugiri Public Library from September to December 2022. After completing the library’s training, Esther was promoted: “I submitted my skills certificate to the head office, and I am pleased to inform everyone that I have been promoted to Officer in Charge. I have been tasked to manage the data room and help in entering data.” 

Bugiri Public Library is among 11 libraries in different regions of Uganda that have been equipped with Pocket WiFi Routers and internet data packages so that they can provide free ICT training in their communities. Your generosity has made this possible.

Digital skills training in libraries is especially popular among women and vulnerable youth. The training helps them to improve their lives: they are researching the internet for ideas and information, starting small businesses, studying and completing school projects, improving their jobs and finding employment.

“I am Jason, 22 years old, and a senior school drop-out. I was among the lucky people who have participated in the free digital skills and mobile literacy programme at Bugiri Public Library. My target for learning was typing, file transfers, email use, word processing, system management, printing and photocopying - and I put a lot of emphasis on these areas. 

“Having successfully completed the training, I was blessed with a highly-recommended certificate of completion. By God’s grace, with my certificate in hand, I was given an opportunity at a big hotel in Bugiri. I now manage the hotel database, type and print required documents. My happiness and standard of living have improved. Thanks to the programme!”