Enabling Rural Women through Digital Literacy: Tech Herfrica’s Training in Akwanga, Nasarawa State
1.0 Project Overview
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, Tech Herfrica, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering rural African women, launched a digital literacy training program in Kurmin Tagwaye Community, Akwanga Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. This initiative, part of the Chat for Women’s Livelihood Accelerator program developed in collaboration with Turn.io and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aimed to equip 50 women with essential digital skills.
Due to the diverse range of mobile devices among participants, the training was customized to accommodate two groups of women; 30 women with WhatsApp-enabled devices took the training, while 20 women with feature-rich phones received training tailored to their specific device capabilities.
1.1 Training Focus
The training included a comprehensive training session to equip women with essential skills, covering topics such as:
- Introduction to technology
- Benefits of the digital world
- Bookkeeping
- Effective smartphone usage
- Creating email accounts
- Leveraging social media for business
- Online safety
- Google search techniques
1.2 Training Delivery
The training was conducted in Pidgin and Hausa, emphasizing practical applications of smartphones and digital tools to enhance women’s economic and livelihood skills. Pre- and post-assessments were used to measure digital literacy progress. The primary training was delivered via the WhatsApp chatbot, with an on-site team member available for support and guidance. Key sessions included:
- Introduction to Technology: Basic digital concepts, highlighting technology’s role in daily life.
- Benefits of the Digital World: Showcased digital tools for business enhancement and market expansion.
- Bookkeeping: Emphasized maintaining accurate financial records for business growth.
- Using Smartphones Effectively: Explored smartphone features for business and learning.
- Creating Email Accounts: Hands-on guidance for setting up and managing emails.
- Uploading WhatsApp Statuses: Taught using statuses for business promotion and engagement tracking.
- Sending WhatsApp Voice Notes: Strengthened digital communication with effective voice note use.
- Online Safety: Covered strong passwords, scam recognition, and online safety strategies.
- Creating Facebook Accounts: Guided participants in connecting with broader networks.
- Using Google Search: Focused on efficient information retrieval for learning and problem-solving.
2.0 Program Outcomes
The training achieved significant results:
- Increased Awareness: 40 out of 50 participants reported learning to leverage technology for income and business growth.
- Enhanced Online Learning: Online learning participation rose by 80% from 10 to all 50 participants.
- Improved Social Media Skills: 100% of participants reported enhanced knowledge of using WhatsApp and Facebook for business.
- Improved Email Proficiency: Proficiency increased from 5 participants to 95% successfully creating accounts.
- Boosted Confidence in Google Search: Confidence in using Google Search increased by 80%.
- Economic Empowerment: 42 out of 50 participants gained confidence in using phones to generate income.
- Improved Entrepreneurial Skills: All participants reported a greater understanding of entrepreneurship.
- Enhanced Financial Management: 100% understood bookkeeping for business success.
3.0 Lessons Learned
- Community Engagement is Essential
Early engagement with community leaders and groups was crucial for building trust, ensuring high turnout, and fostering a sense of ownership among participants. To enhance participation and impact, future trainings will aim for increased pre-event outreach and collaboration with community influencers.
- Hands-On Training Drives Learning
A hands-on, practical training approach boosted participants’ confidence and skills retention. Real-time activities, like setting up email accounts and sending WhatsApp voice notes, proved more effective than theoretical learning. Future programs should prioritize interactive and practice-based sessions.
- Tailored Content Increases Relevance
Content tailored to participants’ needs (e.g., social media for business) ensured relevance and applicability. Future initiatives will continue to adapt content to unique target audience needs.
4.0 Sustainability Strategy
To ensure the program’s lasting impact, Tech Herfrica plans to:
- Adapt to Diverse Communities: Tailor training to regional needs, considering cultural, language, and economic differences.
- Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to expand reach.
- Empower Local Champions: Train local facilitators to sustain program delivery and ensure continuity.
- Measure Impact: Implement a monitoring and evaluation system to track key performance indicators and improve program effectiveness.
- Update Learning Opportunities: Conduct regular virtual training on growing a business online to build a supportive community.
5.0 Conclusion
This digital literacy training successfully empowered women in the Kurmin Tagwaye community by enhancing their digital and entrepreneurial skills. Tech Herfrica’s commitment to a sustainable, community-centered approach ensures the program’s continued success, paving the way for countless women to achieve economic independence through technology.