Empowering Refugee Communities Through Digital Skills: YEF Launches Creative and Digital Tech Training Pilot Project with support from UNHCR
The Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), a key player in refugee empowerment initiatives, has recently embarked on a new journey to further uplift refugee communities by embracing technology and innovation. On the back of a successful proposal submission to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), YEF, in collaboration with three other refugee-led organizations, has launched a groundbreaking four-month pilot project titled Creative and Digital Tech Training and Design Thinking to Foster Economic Integration.
This initiative comes at a crucial time as refugee communities continue to face significant barriers to economic integration. These barriers include limited access to technological resources, insufficient job opportunities, and lack of skills relevant to the modern digital economy. YEF’s new pilot project seeks to bridge these gaps by providing innovative solutions that combine creative digital training with the power of design thinking.
A Collaborative Effort for Greater Impact
The inception of the project began with a meeting between YEF and three other refugee-led organizations from different settlements Safe Home Africa (SHA), Dongriin Foundation (D.f) where in Nyumanzi and the shabab peace and Environment Action (SPEaK) in Ayilo Refugee settlement, Adjumani District. This collaboration is a testament to the importance of locally-driven solutions and refugee leadership in addressing community challenges. By bringing together various actors who understand the context and lived experiences of refugee populations, the project is designed to provide tailored solutions that address the specific needs of these communities.
With this grant from UNHCR, the project will focus on equipping refugee youth with skills in digital technology, creative media, and design thinking, a problem-solving methodology that encourages innovation and practical solutions. This combination of technical skills and creative thinking will help refugees navigate the complexities of modern economies, enabling them to pursue meaningful livelihoods and enhance their self-reliance.
Expanding Resources to Drive the MentorHer Project
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the boost it provides to YEF’s existing #MentorHer initiative. This ongoing collaboration between YEF and the Creative Innovation Centre (CIC), under the #ASKnet Project, is dedicated to empowering young women by equipping them with essential media and communication skills. Through MentorHer, young women from refugee settlements have been trained in electronics repair, media production, and communication strategies, opening doors to new career opportunities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) fields.
Thanks to the newly awarded grant, YEF has will in stock 10 new computers, which will be instrumental in supporting both the MentorHer project and the new pilot initiative. These computers will provide participants with the tools they need to access digital learning resources, enhance their technological literacy, and engage in practical, hands-on training. This infusion of resources will not only enable the continuation of MentorHer but also allow for greater participation and deeper learning experiences.
Fostering Economic Integration Through Innovation
The core mission of YEF’s new pilot project is to foster economic integration by preparing refugees with the skills they need to succeed in a globalized, digital economy. By focusing on creative and digital tech training, the project opens up pathways for refugees to find work in diverse sectors, from digital content creation and technology services to innovative problem-solving roles. Furthermore, by integrating design thinking into the curriculum, participants are encouraged to think critically, identify opportunities, and develop innovative solutions to the challenges they face in their communities.The potential impact of this project is significant. Not only will participants gain valuable skills, but they will also develop a mindset geared toward entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. This, in turn, will contribute to greater economic stability within refugee settlements and enhance the overall wellbeing of the communities involved.
“ Mr. Vuga William Liwa Alibano Team leader said, Looking Ahead: A Model for Refugee Empowerment”
The Creative and Digital Tech Training and Design Thinking to Foster Economic Integration project is more than just a short-term initiative; it represents a model for future refugee empowerment programs. By combining skills training with innovation, it offers a holistic approach that addresses both the practical and strategic needs of refugee communities. This pilot project, though initially four months long, could pave the way for longer-term programs that expand to more refugee settlements across the region.
Early this year. YEF’s partnership with the Creative Innovation Centre a reugee lead organiztion base in Rhino camp, under the #ASKnet Project, has proven to be an invaluable collaboration in providing women with tools to break into STEAM fields. Now, with the additional support from UNHCR and new resources such as the computers, the foundation is better positioned to scale its efforts and deepen its impact.
Conclusion
As YEF moves forward with this exciting pilot project, the potential to transform the lives of refugeeyouth and women is immense. Through the combination of digital skills training, creative innovation, and design thinking, YEF is not only equipping individuals with the tools to succeed but also fostering a culture of innovation and economic integration that will have lasting benefits for refugee communities.
This project represents hope, opportunity, and the power of collaboration in addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by displaced populations. By continuing to invest in refugee-led solutions and technological empowerment, YEF is making a critical contribution to the future of refugee economic integration.