Support IT Education for Remote Semi-Arid Africa

There is an ongoing Mobile LEAP training at Learning Lions that continues to show promising progress. This cohort consists of 45 young trainees who are actively engaged in daily sessions on our campus. Throughout the program, participants have demonstrated strong commitment and adaptability as they acquire essential digital skills that will enable them to pursue new academic and professional opportunities.

This current training cycle reflects both the growing demand for digital education in the region and the transformative potential the program holds. Many of the trainees come from communities where access to digital tools, learning opportunities, and career guidance is extremely limited. Mobile LEAP provides an accessible entry point for these young learners, equipping them with practical skills they can apply immediately, whether in online freelancing, entrepreneurship, further education, or local digital work opportunities.

Looking ahead, Learning Lions is preparing for a major scale-up of the program. Beginning next year, the goal is to train approximately 500 young people from Turkana and the surrounding areas, including members of the refugee community. Reaching this number requires expanding our training capacity, upgrading infrastructure, and ensuring we have sufficient instructional and support staff.

This scale-up is driven by the urgent need to create accessible pathways for young people in marginalized regions. With unemployment and limited economic opportunities affecting many households, the Mobile LEAP program offers an alternative: skills that are relevant, marketable, and globally competitive.

Your support plays a crucial role in making this expansion possible. Continued contributions will enable us to provide high-quality training materials, maintain reliable digital infrastructure, and reach more learners who stand to benefit immensely from this opportunity. Together, we can surpass our goal and empower a new generation of trainees with the skills they need to shape their own futures.

Links:

• official website

Project Update: Empowering Youth with Digital Skills in Turkana, Kenya

Submitted by: Startup Lions

Overview

Access to quality education and employment opportunities remains a challenge for many youth in remote, semi-arid regions like Turkana County, Kenya. At Learning Lions, we are committed to addressing this challenge head-on by equipping young people with digital skills that open doors to remote careers and financial independence. With your continued support, we are building a foundation for a future where youth no longer have to leave their communities—or rely on unpredictable incomes—to succeed.

Progress Update

Although this project is still in its early stages of fundraising, preparations and ongoing activities at our ICT campus have laid a solid foundation for success:

• Training Programs Continue to Thrive: Our existing training tracks in web development, graphic design, digital entrepreneurship, and video editing are ongoing. New cohorts are enrolled every few months, ensuring consistent skill-building in the region.

• Curriculum Enhancement: We’ve begun refining our curriculum to stay aligned with current global standards in tech and digital media. Volunteers and industry professionals are working with our trainers to integrate more advanced tools and updated best practices.

• Local Outreach: Awareness efforts in surrounding villages continue, encouraging more youth—especially young women—to apply for training and join the movement toward digital self-reliance.

Impact So Far

• 1,500+ Young Adults Trained: Many of our alumni are now working as remote freelancers or employees for international clients.

• 65% Job Placement Rate: A strong majority of graduates find sustainable digital work, often earning more than what is possible through traditional fishing or manual labor.

• Multiplier Effect: Several graduates have returned as trainers or mentors, fostering a cycle of peer-led learning and long-term sustainability.

• Reduced Urban Migration: With digital work opportunities available locally, fewer youth are migrating to overcrowded urban centers in search of jobs.

Challenges & The Road Ahead

We are still seeking the full funding goal of $35,000 to scale our operations. This funding will help us:

• Expand and upgrade our training facilities and equipment

• Provide internet and power access for 24/7 digital work

• Sponsor more trainees, especially from vulnerable backgrounds

• Support female participation in tech through targeted outreach

Your Impact

Every donation contributes to lasting change. By supporting this project, you’re not just funding education—you’re helping build a resilient, future-ready generation. You’re giving youth the ability to earn a living, support their families, and lift their communities—all from their home in Turkana.

We invite you to continue this journey with us. Let’s create opportunity where it’s needed most.

Thank You

Your belief in the power of education is transforming lives. We are deeply grateful.

Visit us: www.learninglions.org

Links:

• http://www.learninglions.org