ARFH in Partnership with NitHub Graduates 90 Tech Beneficiaries
Digital technology has the power to transform health, improve resilience, spur economic growth and development outcomes, and lift millions out of poverty. Thus, the Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award (ICHSSA-2) project implemented by Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) launched the Tech4AYP program in 2024- an innovative initiative focused on promoting digital inclusion of vulnerable adolescents and young persons to gain global in-demand and thriving digital skills that will enable them improve their livelihoods and use technology for social change. Tech4AYP is predicated on a tripod stand of digital inclusion: digital literacy, access to internet and computer devices. Tech4AYP aims to train, equip and match beneficiaries with decent work (remote/on-site) and entrepreneurship opportunities either locally or globally.
Tech4AYP initiative was a 12 weeks (3 months) training uniquely designed to equip and meet the needs of 90 project beneficiaries (Adolescents and Case Managers) selected from across the eleven ICHSSA-2 implementing LGAs in Lagos- (Agege, Apapa, Ajeromi, Badagry, Kosofe, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Ojo, Shomolu, Surulere, and Ikorodu). The training which started on the 15th October 2024 and ended on 17th January 2024, involved hands-on sessions, weekly assignments and graded end of project cap stone defense.
In attendance were all the 90 beneficiaries, course tutors who also served as assessors for the capstone presentation, Nithub Director- Dr Victor Odumuyiwa and team, ICHSSA-2 project team led by the Deputy Chief of Party, Mrs Esther Brodrick-Shehu; Compliance Manager- Mr David Asonibare; Finance and Grant Manager- Mrs Jumoke Akintella; Information Technology Officer- Mr Akinrotimi Akinwunmi and Knowledge and Communications Officer- Mr Gbadegesin Alawode.
While speaking, the Deputy Chief of Party, ICHSSA-2 Project, Mrs Esther Brodrick-Shehu thanked USAID for the funding support to train the beneficiaries. While also appreciating Nithub for the partnership, she urged the trainees to put to good use their skills to improve their income and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities. “I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your training. You should count yourself very lucky as you were not only trained but equipped with the tools (laptop, internet device and subscriptions) to further develop yourself.” Brodrick-Shehu said.
Victor Odumuyiwa, AI expert and Director Nithub, Unilag harped on the importance of building the digital skills of young people so as to improve the digital economy. He appreciated USAID and ARFH for the partnership which has led to the upskilling of 90 beneficiaries of the program. “This will go on to change their lives for good”. Dr. Odumuyiwa said.
Key Highlights of the Graduation Event-
- The capstone project defense and graduation started with the presentation from various groups per each of the courses.
- Each group consists of about 5 persons with the Graphics design class having the highest number of groups- (6); followed by Data Analytics (4) and UI_UX (4); Mobile App (3) and Front End web development (2).
- Each team presented their task as assigned by their tutors and they were graded based on their innovativeness, contribution and presentation. Based on Nithubs standard grading criteria, attendance and participation made up 20%; assignments and projects made up 40% while final project defense made up 40%. Some of the critical feedbacks received from the assessors include the use of storytelling, presentation skills and innovativeness of their projects.
Thereafter, the Nithub training coordinator- Mr Kingsley presented the performance report of the 90 trainees. Trainees scores were graded in 5 categories- Excellent (90-100%0, Very Good (80-89%), Good (70-79%), Average (60-69%) and Pass (Below 60%). Out of the 33 students in the Graphics design class, 3 students emerged as top performers scoring Very Good (80-89%). Of the 18 trainees in UI_UX design class had 3 top performers- 2 scoring Excellent (90-100%) while 1 scored between 80-89% (very Good). The 12 trainees in the Mobile App class had 4 top performers between 70-79% (Good) rasnge. Furthermore, the 18 trainees in the Data Analytics class had 5 top performers within the 70-79% (Good) range. Out of the 9 trainees in the Frontend web development class, 3 emerged the top performers within the 80-89% (very Good) range.
Lastly, Mr Gbadegesin Alawode, the lead for the Tech4AYP program urged the trainees to maintain their quest for learning while putting to good use the skills gained to earn decent income as a result of providing quality job to those who their services. He also emphasized the importance of networking and staying engaged with their community.
