On Saturday, August 31, 2024, Tech Herfrica, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering rural African women, launched a digital literacy campaign in Jiwa Community, Bwari Area Council, FCT. In partnership with Turn.io and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Tech Herfrica developed a chatbot for learning digital skills via WhatsApp as part of the Chat for Women’s Livelihood Accelerator program.
The campaign featured a comprehensive training session aimed at equipping women with essential skills, including:
- Introduction to technology
- Benefits of the digital world
- Bookkeeping
- Effective use of smartphones
- Creating email accounts
- Leveraging social media for business
- Online safety
- Google search techniques
The training, conducted in both English and Pidgin English, emphasized practical applications of smartphones and digital tools to enhance economic and the women’s livelihood. Pre- and post-assessments measured the women’s digital literacy before training and the progress during and after the training. While the training was delivered primarily through a WhatsApp chatbot, a team member was on-site to provide support and guidance. Key sessions included:
- Introduction to Technology: Basic digital concepts were introduced, emphasizing the relevance of technology in daily life.
- Benefits of the Digital World: Highlighted the opportunities digital tools offer to enhance business operations and expand market reach.
- Bookkeeping: Provided training on maintaining accurate financial records, essential for business growth.
- Using Smartphones Effectively: Explored various smartphone functions for business and learning purposes.
- Creating Email Accounts: Offered hands-on guidance on setting up and managing email accounts, vital for digital communication.
- Uploading WhatsApp Statuses: Taught participants how to use WhatsApp statuses for business promotion, including tracking engagement.
- Sending WhatsApp Voice Notes: Enhanced digital communication skills by teaching effective use of voice notes on WhatsApp.
- Online Safety: Covered topics like strong passwords, recognizing scams, and strategies for staying safe online.
- Creating Facebook Accounts: Guided participants in creating Facebook accounts to connect with wider networks and potential customers.
- Using Google Search: Focused on effectively using Google to find information, an essential skill for continuous learning and problem-solving.
- The campaign achieved significant results:
- Increased Awareness: 93% (56 out of 60) of participants reported gaining valuable knowledge on leveraging technology for income generation and improving their businesses.
- Enhanced Online Learning: While only 14 participants had prior online learning experience, all 60 engaged in online learning by the end of the program.
- Improved Social Media Skills: 100% of participants reported enhanced knowledge in using social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook for business purposes.
- Improved Email Proficiency: Only 7 participants initially knew how to open an email account; by the end, 95% could create one successfully.
- Boosted Confidence in Google Search: Participants’ confidence in using Google Search increased by 70%.
- Economic Empowerment: 92% (55 out of 60) of participants felt confident using their phones to generate income.
- Improved Entrepreneurial Skills: All participants reported an increased understanding of how to become entrepreneurs.
- Enhanced Financial Management: 100% of participants gained a comprehensive understanding of bookkeeping and its importance for business success.
- Community Engagement is Essential
Active engagement with the community was vital for the success of the campaign. Engaging local leaders and community groups early in the planning phase helped build trust, ensured high turnout, and created a sense of ownership among participants. In future campaigns, increasing pre-event outreach and collaboration with community influencers can further enhance participation and impact.
- Hands-On Training Drives Learning
The practical, hands-on approach to training significantly boosted participants’ confidence and retention of skills. Activities like setting up email accounts and practicing sending WhatsApp voice notes in real time allowed participants to immediately apply what they learned. This method proved more effective than theoretical learning, highlighting the importance of including more interactive and practice-based sessions in future programs.
- Tailored Content Increases Relevance
The training content was specifically tailored to meet the needs of the participants, focusing on practical skills such as social media usage for business, online safety, and effective smartphone use. This approach ensured that the content was relevant to their daily lives and business needs, enhancing its value and applicability. Future initiatives should continue to customize content based on the unique needs and circumstances of each target audience.
To ensure the program’s long-term success and impact, Tech Herfrica plans to implement the following strategies:
- Adapting to Diverse Communities: Tailoring training programs to the specific needs and circumstances of different regions across Nigeria, considering cultural nuances, language preferences, and economic realities.
- Building Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations, NGOs, government agencies, and community groups to expand reach and enhance program delivery.
- Empowering Local Champions: Training and developing local facilitators to create a sustainable model for program delivery and ensure continuity.
- Measuring Impact: Implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track key performance indicators, assess program effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement.
- Updating Learning Opportunities: Organizing regular virtual training sessions on practical steps for growing a business online to build a thriving community.
This digital literacy campaign effectively empowered women in Jiwa Community, Bwari Area Council, FCT, by enhancing their digital and entrepreneurial skills. Tech Herfrica’s commitment to a sustainable approach ensures the program’s continued success, paving the way for countless women to achieve economic independence through technology.