The lack of digital skills among teenagers in low-income communities in Ota, Nigeria, significantly limits their future employment opportunities and ability to compete in an increasingly AI-driven job market. Currently, only 7% of Nigerian youths possess the necessary Information Communication Technology skills, leaving over 100 million young Nigerians without the digital competencies required for modern jobs.
The project primarily supports teenagers from low-income communities in Ota, Nigeria. This demographic faces significant barriers to accessing quality education and technology resources, which hinders their ability to develop essential digital skills necessary for future employment.
The "Shape Your Future" project is a six-week training program that is equipping teenagers with critical technology skills such as Data Analytics, Design Thinking, Fundamentals of Design, and Digital Marketing. This initiative is enhancing their digital literacy and creativity, preparing them for future educational and professional opportunities.
To address the identified problem, the hub has undertaken the following specific actions: • Conducting workshops and training sessions focused on essential technology skills • Empowered over 20 tertiary education graduates to lead training initiatives across various local governments in Ota and Ogun State • Developed a curriculum tailored to the needs of teenagers in low-income communities • Trained over 120 teenagers so far through this initiative • Facilitate access to technology resources and mentorship opportunities for participants
The project's short-term goals include: training over 300 teenagers within the next year and increasing awareness of the importance of digital skills among local communities. The long-term goals encompass: establishing a sustainable model for ongoing tech upskilling in low-income areas and creating pathways for participants to secure employment or further education in technology-related fields.
The project will track its success through various metrics, including: • The number of teenagers trained (targeting over 500 participants) • Participant feedback on skill acquisition and confidence levels post-training • Employment or educational advancement rates among graduates of the program within a year of completion
The project collaborates with local educational institutions and organizations focused on youth development and technology education such as Upsurge Foundation.
Ota Hub Team
The Global Shapers Hub Ota is a community of young changemakers working together to address local challenges and create positive impact in our communities.