1.0 Training Overview
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Tech Herfrica, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering rural African women, launched a digital literacy training in Wamba Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. This initiative, part of the Chat for Women’s Livelihood Accelerator program, was developed in collaboration with Turn.io and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The training equipped 93 women with access to digital skills training through a WhatsApp-based chatbot. Interestingly, the group comprised women with varying levels of technological experience. 57 participants possessed WhatsApp-enabled mobile devices, while 36 used feature-rich phones. Despite this difference, the training effectively catered to both sets of participants.
1.1 Training Focus
The training included a comprehensive session, covering essential skills in:
- Introduction to technology
- Benefits of the digital world
- Bookkeeping
- Effective smartphone usage (tailored for both feature-rich and WhatsApp-enabled devices)
- 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 measured digital literacy progress. The training was delivered via the WhatsApp chatbot, with an on-site team member available for support and guidance, and the key sessions included:
- Introduction to Technology: Presented basic digital concepts, highlighting the role of technology in daily life.
- Benefits of the Digital World: Showcased digital tools for business growth and market expansion.
- Bookkeeping: Emphasized maintaining accurate financial records for business success.
- Using Phones Effectively: Explored features of both feature-rich and WhatsApp-enabled devices for business and learning.
- Creating Email Accounts: Provided hands-on guidance for setting up and managing emails, even for those without prior experience.
- Uploading WhatsApp Statuses: Taught participants to use WhatsApp statuses for business promotion and engagement tracking.
- Sending WhatsApp Voice Notes: Strengthened digital communication skills through 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. (For those with WhatsApp-enabled devices).
- Using Google Search: Focused on efficient information retrieval for learning and problem-solving.
2.0 Program Outcomes
The training achieved significant results:
- Increased Awareness: 78 out of 93 participants reported learning to leverage technology for income generation and business growth.
- Enhanced Online Learning: Online learning participation rose from 15 to all 93 participants by the end of the program.
- Improved Social Media Skills: 100% of participants reported enhanced knowledge in using WhatsApp and Facebook for business.
- Improved Email Proficiency: Only 8 participants initially knew how to create an email account; by the end, 92% could create and use one.
- Boosted Confidence in Google Search: Confidence in using Google Search increased by 85%.
- Economic Empowerment: 70 out of 93 participants gained confidence in using phones to generate income.
- Improved Entrepreneurial Skills: All participants reported an increased understanding of entrepreneurship.
- Enhanced Financial Management: 100% gained a comprehensive understanding of bookkeeping for business success.
3.0 Lessons Learned
- Community Engagement is Essential
Engaging with local leaders and community groups was crucial to the training’s success. This outreach fostered trust, ensured high participation, and instilled a sense of ownership among the women. Future trainings will aim to increase pre-event outreach and collaboration with community influencers to maximize impact.
- Hands-On Training Drives Learning
A practical training approach significantly boosted participants’ confidence and skills retention. Real-time activities, such as setting up email accounts and sending WhatsApp voice notes, enabled participants to immediately apply their learning. Future programs should continue to prioritize interactive, practice-based sessions.
- Tailored Content Increases Relevance
Content tailored to the participant’s needs, focusing on practical skills such as social media usage, online safety, and effective smartphone use, ensured relevance and applicability. Future initiatives should continue to adapt content based on the unique needs and circumstances of each target audience.
- Availability of Smartphones Impacts Participation
The varying levels of technology access among participants (WhatsApp-enabled vs. feature-rich phones) highlighted the importance of adapting training methods. While the program successfully catered to both groups, future initiatives could explore providing temporary access to smartphones or partnering with organizations to offer affordable devices. This would ensure all participants can fully maximize the benefits of digital skills training.
4.0 Sustainability Strategy
To ensure the program’s long-term impact, Tech Herfrica plans to:
- Adapt to Diverse Communities: Customize training to meet the regional needs of communities across Nigeria, considering cultural and language preferences.
- Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to expand the program’s reach.
- Empower Local Champions: Train local facilitators to support sustainable program delivery and continuity.
- Measure Impact: Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Update Learning Opportunities: Conduct regular virtual training on practical steps for online business growth to foster a thriving community.
5.0 Conclusion
This digital literacy training successfully empowered 93 women in Wamba LGA 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.