Impact

About

This collective consists of five refugee-led organisations (RLOs) in Kenya and Uganda working together to bridge the digital divide that prevents refugees from accessing decent employment opportunities that can transform their livelihoods. As part of the collective, RLOs share knowledge, skills, experiences and best practices as they support young refugees and members of host communities to improve their livelihoods by harnessing digital skills,improving their earnings and boosting local economies.


To enhance digital job creation and access among refugee youth, they have upskilled over 2863 refugee youth and 234 host youths, through e-learning, digital training and mentorship programmes so that participants are able to access online jobs, develop e-commerce platforms, and develop commercial business management software. The participants are mentored and connected to platforms to access employment, or sell their products and services


For example, participants who have learnt how to make 3D printed and metal casted items, one of the digital innovations being implemented by Solidarity Initiative for Refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, are helped to sell their items on online platforms.


KNOWLEDGE & INSIGHTS:

Data insight 1: Reducing the gender digital gap

The collective is empowering female refugees to increasingly embrace digital technology for improving their income and livelihoods.

This is important because reports have shown that forcibly displaced women and girls tend to have low levels of digital literacy and skills. The collective has potential to contribute to reduction of the gender digital divide

Data insight 2: Employment Transition Rate

In total the RLOs in this collective change profile have trained 2863 refugees out of whom 1445 have successfully secured various digital jobs

More than 50% of Graduates are employed, One icon represents 200 displaced persons

The 50% employment transition rate indicates that digital training focus on skills such as coding, digital marketing, and data analysis is most relevant to the modern economy. These skills are increasingly in demand globally and lead to remote work opportunities that are particularly beneficial for refugees who may face mobility restrictions or barriers to entering local job markets. Looking for studies to support ( individuals who undergo digital training can secure jobs more quickly than those engaged in traditional vocational training programs

Data insight 3: Tackling the unemployment problem

In Uganda, UNHCR reports a refugee unemployment rate at 31 percent, 24 percentage points higher than 7 percent for the host community, while in Kenya, unemployment among refugees is at 70 percent compared to the national average of 40 percent, according to a 2023 report by International Labour Organisation. Job creation by this collective therefore, does present a potential for scalability in other refugee settings across Africa as a solution to unemployment given that 300 jobs are being created per year by the collective.


Data insight 4: Decent Jobs:

Reports by the World Food Program show that refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee settlements earn 49 USD per month. Similarly in Uganda refugees on average earn less than 50 USD per month according to reports from UNHCR. However we see that with the digital livelihood self employment activities, participant refugees are earning 78 USD per month. This shows that investing in digital livelihoods has potential to boost the refugee economy through creating decent jobs for refugees.

Reports from Solidarity Initiative RLO in Kenya, Tomorrow Vijana RLO in Uganda and UNHCR studies , have found that the following needs are constraining digital skills in the refugee space:

The need for removing barriers related to national ID verification for digital payment and verification mechanisms, as often these close out refugees from using digital spaces since they often don’t have such IDs.

The need to include content on smartphones and online, in the local languages spoken by refugees.

The need to improve literacy among the refugee population so that they are able to read and write as this is useful even before embarking on digital literacy.

The need to enhance the accessibility of digital hardware like laptops and smartphones especially targeting female refugees. Access to tech hardware and software has been difficult in the camps — especially for women. The ownership of smartphones is also often gendered. Often viewed as a ‘man’s tool’, women have limited financial resources and smartphone access.

In refugee settlements, there are high costs of mobile/internet data, poor signal strength, unaffordability of digital devices, and difficulties in charging them due to unreliable electricity, hence the need for governments and donors to invest in ICT infrastructure targeting rural areas where most of the refugee settlements are located.

STORY OF CHANGE

Ramazani Mwemedi is a 20-year-old Congolese refugee who has been living in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya for most of his life. He is the eldest of four siblings. In 2021, Ramazani was introduced to Solidarity Initiatives for Refugees (SIR) by one of the SIR staff. It was at SIR that Ramazani discovered the digital skills training program and decided to enroll

When Ramazani joined the program, his computer knowledge was limited; he had never built a website or app before. “Before the course, I didn't know how to build websites or even mobile apps, but I was determined to learn,” says Ramazani.

Ramazani began his training with a basic Python course, learning the fundamentals of programming, such as variables, data types, loops, and functions. His determination and quick learning ability helped him master these concepts swiftly. He then advanced to more complex topics, including object-oriented programming, working with libraries, and data analysis using Python.

During his training, Ramazani was encouraged to explore various online platforms for freelancers. He created profiles on Upwork and Fiverr, applying his new skills in web development and digital marketing. Despite initial challenges, he managed to secure small projects that not only boosted his confidence but also provided a source of income.

This income has been a lifeline for his family, helping to cover household expenses and support his younger siblings’ education.

Currently, Ramazani works at SIR as an Advanced ICT Trainer, delivering web and app development training to refugee participants. He also leads the development of Opengates, a freelancing platform designed to empower refugee youth worldwide by providing access to education, scholarships, vocational training, and job opportunities.

“My favorite parts of the course were web development and digital marketing,” Ramazani shares. “Creating websites and learning how to market products online opened up new opportunities for me.”
“My favorite parts of the course were web development and digital marketing,” Ramazani shares. “Creating websites and learning how to market products online opened up new opportunities for me.”

News Feed

commmunity centre for excellence

Success Story of Linda Saima Jackson: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment Linda, a widow and mother of five, faced unimaginable challenges after losing her husband in the 2013 war in South Sudan. Left to care for her children alone, she fled to Kenya in 2016 and sought refuge in the Kalobeyei settlement. Life as a refugee brought with it harsh weather, limited access to water, and no clear path to economic stability. Without any formal skills, Linda struggled to find a way to provide for her family. In 2019, everything changed when Linda crossed paths with the Community Centre for Excellence (CCE). "Thanks to CCE for looking into the lives of vulnerable women like us," she says. CCE provided her with an opportunity to learn dressmaking and tailoring, a life-changing experience that helped her gain new skills and envision a brighter future. Her determination paid off, and CCE not only trained her but also linked her with partners like the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Swisscontact, opening even more doors for her. Today, Linda is not just a successful widow; she is the proud owner of her own tailoring shop and has secured a job to train other women. This newfound stability allowed her to open a hotel, pay her children's school fees, and provide them with a balanced diet. "I am a happy widow," she shares, grateful for the opportunities provided by CCE that have transformed her life. Her message to women is simple but powerful: "Come out of your comfort zone and search for opportunities with organizations that are ready to support and uplift you." Linda's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, skill-building, and the support of organizations like CCE in changing lives.

02:18 pm · Oct 08, 2024

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