It has now been established; COVID-19 has caused a massive paradigm shift on how we work, learn, and how businesses are run. Today, online classrooms, collaborations, and virtual meetings need not be explained. The implication is that if you are a business that hasn’t established a proper digital footprint then the opportunities offered both by COVID-19 and post COVID-19 economic environments will pass you by. But that shouldn’t happen, and that’s why Microsoft in collaboration with Stanbic Kenya Foundation and the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Development & its agencies established the Future Ni Digital programme aimed at benefiting over 50,000 Micro Small Enterprises in Kenya.
Through the Future Ni Digital initiative – a digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and career skills program- the business owners will be equipped with the relevant digital skills by the end of this year. These digital skills will enable business owners to take advantage of numerous digital tools for collaboration, organization, meetings, record keeping, and other business management tasks.
To equip the Micro Small business owners with the prerequisite digital skills, the Future Ni Digital Programme incorporates practical lessons on the ability to use computers, to use computer programs such as word processors, to navigate on the internet, and to use communication tools such as social media and email. In addition, more advanced skills such as coding, cloud computing, and data analytics can be an added advantage in career and business.
“Initiatives such as Future Ni Digital are preparing individuals and businesses for a more digitally connected world, enabling them to take advantage of the tools that can enable them to thrive,” says Kendi Ntwiga, Kenya Country Manager, Microsoft.
The training takes a blended approach, combining in-person training sessions at government centres, with an online learning platform, FutureNiDigital.org) (https://www.futurenidigital.org/).
“This year, the program seeks to equip 50,000 learners with digital skills; train 1,000 government trainers; and have 2,000 placed in employment,” explains Kanyuga. “The long-term goal is to build the capacity of government centres to enable them to continue running digital skilling training for years to come.”
As part of the partnership, Microsoft has provided a grant to the implementation partner, the Africa Centre for Women in ICT, to enable them to facilitate the training of government trainers. The organization has also deployed an online learning platform, FutureNiDigital.org, in collaboration with Stanbic Bank Foundation and are working on a job platform as well.
“At Microsoft, our goal is to empower people and organizations to do more. We developed this initiative to enable individuals and businesses to use technology to reach their career and business goals,” adds Kendi.
“The government has embraced digital transformation as a key pillar for Economic growth. Let us come together as stakeholders in different areas to add value, knowledge, and reach in promoting digital literacy and skilling programs,” Kendi concludes.
