Empowering Youth with the Essential Digital Skills for the World of Work
KNLS in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), and other partners, is making strides in spreading digital literacy in different parts of the country. The training focuses on equipping people with essential skills for success in the current digital era. This has been carried out through the KNLS branch networks as highlighted below:
Thika Library graduates 230 students with digital skills
Since 2018, KNLS Thika Branch has been providing basic computer skills training to the youth and other library clients, and to date over 1600 trainees have graduated. On Friday, March 31st, 2023, a graduation ceremony was held at the Thika Library under the theme “An Empowered Generation,” to celebrate the success of 230 students who completed a three-months Computer Training Program under different cohorts. This program, which was facilitated by DOT and Ajira Digital, provided the trainees with valuable digital skills that are crucial for success in today’s economy.
The Computer Training Program covered a wide range of topics, including computer basics, internet and email usage, and software applications such as Microsoft Office. Through this program, graduates have gained practical skills that are highly in demand in the job market, enhancing their employability and potential for future success.
Buruburu Library holds a Digital Privacy Workshop for the Youth
On March 20th, 2023, a digital privacy workshop was held at the Buruburu Branch, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of data privacy and security among Kenyan youths. The workshop was attended by 14 participants aged 18-25 years, from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of experience with digital technology.
Some of the topics of discussion included; the risks of sharing personal information online, and how to create strong passwords and protect your data from online threats among others.
The workshop provided the youths with important knowledge and practical strategies for safeguarding their data and protecting their online privacy and security. The participants were encouraged to be more aware and take steps to protect themselves in the digital world. With increasing concerns about data privacy and security, workshops like these play a crucial role in educating and empowering youths to safely navigate the digital landscape.
Other ICT training that Buruburu branch conducted included;
Digital Security; the aim was to create awareness of digital Security among the participants on how to protect their digital identity and stay safe online. A total of 21 youth between the ages of 18-35 years were trained. Digital Well-being- The workshop’s main goal was to raise awareness about digital well-being and provide practical tips on how to reduce smartphone addiction and maintain a healthy relationship with technology. A total of 32 youth were trained.
Laikipia Library trains youth in basic computer skills
On 22nd March 2023, Laikipia Library held a graduation ceremony for over 80 students who had completed the 3 months ICT training program. The program was facilitated by Laikipia Branch ICT Officer. This was the first cohort for 2023, and the students were awarded certificates to mark their completion of the program. The ceremony was graced by Digital Literacy Officer, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Mr. Kelvin Gitau. He emphasized the importance of ICT skills in the current digital age. He highlighted the various opportunities available for individuals who possess these skills and encouraged the students to continue pursuing their education.
Karatina library trains youth on basic design skills
On April 15th 2023, Karatina Library concluded a training program on basic design skills for 22 young participants. The program, which was facilitated by Ajira Digital, aimed to equip the youth with essential design skills Topics covered included graphic design principles, colour theory, typography, and popular design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. At the end of the training, the participants showcased their final design projects, demonstrating their creativity and innovation. The program was lauded for its contribution to youth empowerment and community development, with plans for similar initiatives in the future.
Kibera Library undertakes cohort two training on basic computer skills
Kibera Library successfully concluded the second cohort of basic computer skills training that covered a wide range of topics, including basic computer operations, file management, internet usage, and Microsoft Office applications. The training program attracted 20 students who benefited with practical hands-on experience to enhance their proficiency in using computers for various tasks. The graduates of the program are now better equipped to thrive in the digital world and pursue new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Mombasa Library – digital literacy training for young people
In collaboration with the British Council, Mombasa Library organized a digital literacy training program to educate young people on essential digital skills. The training, which was conducted on 15th and 16th April, 2023, attracted a total of 20 participants, aged 18 to 25 years, who successfully complete the program.
Topics covered included basic computer operations, internet usage, online safety, digital communication, and social media management. The participants were also given practical hands-on experience to enhance their proficiency in using digital tools for various tasks, such as creating and managing online content, conducting online research, and using digital platforms for personal and professional development.
The partnership between Mombasa Library and the British Council in promoting digital literacy among young people is a significant step in bridging the digital divide and equipping the youth with essential skills for the digital era. The training program not only provided participants with practical digital skills but also empowered them to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Kilifi Library Collaborates with Ajira Digital for a Two-Day Digital Marketing Training
Kilifi Library, in partnership with Ajira Digital, conducted a two-day digital marketing training on 19th and 20th April, 2023. The training aimed to equip the participating 27 youths with essential skills and knowledge
in digital marketing, empowering them to leverage the power of digital platforms for business growth and success. Ajira Digital, a government initiative under the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology in Kenya, operates under its vision of equipping the Kenyan youth with relevant digital skills for economic empowerment.
The topics covered included: understanding the digital marketing landscape, developing effective social media strategies, optimizing websites for search engines, creating engaging content, leveraging email marketing, and analyzing digital marketing performance using analytics tools. The sessions were facilitated by experienced trainers who shared practical examples and case studies to illustrate the concepts and provide real-world insights.
Kinyambu Library graduates 14 youths with basic computer skills
On April 22nd 2023, Kinyambu Library held a graduation ceremony for 14 youths who successfully completed a basic computer skills training program. The program, which aimed to empower individuals with fundamental computer literacy skills, was conducted at Kinyambu Library in partnership with local organizations and trainers. The basic computer skills training program spanned over a period of two weeks, during which the students learned essential computer skills, including typing, file management, internet usage, email communication, and basic troubleshooting. The training sessions were conducted by experienced trainers who provided hands-on guidance and support to ensure that the students grasped the concepts effectively.
Kangema Community Library graduates 8 students with basic computer skills
The Kangema Community Library held a graduation ceremony for 8 students who successfully completed a basic computer skills program. The ceremony took place at the library on 14th April 2023, was attended by members of the local community and dignitaries. The program aimed to provide students with skills, such as basic computer operations, file management, and internet usage. The graduates expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn and enhance their digital literacy skills, recognizing the potential for these skills to open doors to new opportunities in their personal and professional lives.
63 students graduate with basic ICT skills at KNLS Muranga
KNLS Murang’a Library has been playing a pivotal role in equipping the local youth with essential Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills through a comprehensive two-month training program. On 20th April 2023, a total of 63 students successfully graduated and were awarded certificates recognizing their achievements in acquiring vital digital literacy skills. The ICT Officer at KNLS Murang’a, assisted by a volunteer, facilitated the training program that covered a wide range of ICT topics including computer basics, internet usage, email management, and online safety. The participants undergo rigorous training sessions that combine theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, providing them with hands-on experience in using ICT tools.