Foundation unveils digital youth platform “DigiYou”

Foundation for Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (FEES) has unveiled its Digital Youth platform called “DigiYou” in Lagos.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Mr Dennis Akin, Project Manager, DigiYou, told newsmen that the project was aimed at empowering the youths using the digital space.

Akin said that the Digital Youths Initiative (DigiYou) would train over 500 digital ambassadors to lead a peer-to-peer training model set to expand digital skills to more Nigerian youth, especially in rural communities with limited internet connectivity.

According to him, the initial stage will see 20 Ambassadors known as “Digital Champions” selected across 20 Local Government Areas of Lagos State for the Digital Empowerment Fellowship.

He said that the champions would proactively engage youths at the local and grassroots level on digital activation skills while addressing internet-related issues in their communities through digital literacy, networking and activism.

“The program and its partners will offer the digital ambassadors an intensive three-month training featuring in-demand skills, such as web design and digital marketing, as well as soft skills such as critical thinking, project management and communication.

“At the end of the coursework, we will provide graduates with information and communication technology toolkits and resources so they can offer the same training within their local communities.

“Exceptional graduates willing to work will be linked for internship and work placement while those cut for business ventures will be equipped to set up business ventures with their businesses registered for them with the corporate affairs commission (CAC), Akin said

The manager said that DigiYou online platforms and in-person classes would offer these technical courses for free.

He added that the program had a target capacity of 100,000 enrollment milestones among young people in Nigeria on its e-Learning and Digital Nigeria platforms.

He explained that the Digital Ambassador Fellowship was part of the initial strategy to centre its technology and digital investments on the youth and enable them to bring about economic and social transformation in the digital age.

He said that the digital ambassadors peer-to-peer model is expected to draw more youth because it offers a more personalized learning experience.

Akin noted that the programme would target at least 50 per cent of women’s participation by collaborating with women groups and strongly encouraging women to be part of it.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which was held at the American Corner, Lagos is supported by the Poor Community Helpers African Foundation. (NAN)