Technology for Social Change and Development (Tech4Dev) says it has partnered with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to train vulnerable groups on digital literacy in northern Nigeria.
Executive Director of the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Diwura Oladepo, announced at a virtual press conference that the partnership was sealed to increase the number of digital literates in rural areas.
The Basic Digital Literacy for Rural Clusters training is designed to directly impact 1,000 beneficiaries over a 12-week period in ten rural clusters across ten states in northern Nigeria.
The organisation says it is targeting vulnerable women and girls, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable group members.
‘It has become pertinent, especially on the path of the new normal, to focus on digital literacy, allowing vulnerable populations to leverage technology for commerce, education, communication, improve their socio-economic recovery, pandemic resilience, and build a more prosperous future’, she said.
The training aligns with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) one (no poverty), four (quality education), and ten (reduced inequalities) of the United Nations.
Also, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) had noted that about 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
For his part, the Head of UK government’s Digital Access Programme and Country Advisor, Idongesit Udoh, said the Nigerian government had identified digital skills as crucial to the country’s economic growth, especially with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘Nigeria’s National broadband plan, Nigeria’s Economic sustainability plan, as well as Nigeria’s digital economy strategy have identified digital skills as key to economic prosperity for all Nigerians’, he said.
‘With Covid-19, digital literacy has become a must-have.
‘Hence, the UK government is once again demonstrating timely support not only for Nigeria’s inclusive economic development but also in building effective Covid-19-related resilience.
‘This project is already helping to close the digital divide, enable inclusive digital access and build communities’ resilience to current and future pandemics’.
Source: Tech Economy
Photo source: Tech4Dev
