115 youth Digital Ambassadors who increased digital inclusion through digital skills training, digital entrepreneurship and technology-enabled social innovation as a part of the Digital Ambassadors Program (DAP) graduated on November 22nd 2019. The 115 Digital Ambassadors provided training to 41,980 youth, women and rural populations in 12 districts: Nyarugenge, Gasabo, Kicukiro, Rulindo, Musanze, Rubavu, Rusizi, Gisagara, Huye, Bugesera, Kayonza and Nyagatare. Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) positions young women and men as leaders of community and digital transformation to support employment and inclusive economic growth. DOT, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth & ICT – now Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) – designed and implemented the Rwanda Digital Ambassador Program. The program is a pillar of the national Digital Talent Policy aimed at increasing Rwanda’s digital literacy, bridging the gender digital divide, driving digital adoption and bridging the ICT skills gap. This first phase of the program was designed, implemented and funded by DOT with the financial support of Global Affairs Canada and contributions from MINICT, GIZ, Mozilla, and the EQUALS Global Partnership. Because of the initiative, citizens’ lives were transformed through digital skills training and adoption of life-enhancing e-services like Irembo, driving digital inclusion and growth; Digital Ambassadors built skills and started their own businesses or social enterprises focused on digital innovations; and gender digital equality was increased by recruiting a significant number of female youth, providing access to relevant digital content, services, and new opportunities to empower women and girls. Over 75% of citizens trained through the program reported that their skills and use of mobile technology has improved significantly, and 75% of women reported a greater motivation and confidence to use digital technology. Of Digital Ambassadors, 90% now report a greater ability and passion to contribute to community socio-economic growth. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Violette Uwamutara, DOT’s Regional Advisor, Africa and DOT Rwanda Country Director acknowledged the ecosystem of partners led by MINICT. She urged the young graduates to take time to know who they are, think big, think global, have a big vision and work diligently towards it. As part of the Digital Ambassadors graduation ceremony, a youth panel discussion was organized for the graduates of previous DOT programs to inspire and inform Digital Ambassadors about practical tips to succeed in their career paths and welcome them to the DOT Alumni Network. DOT Alumni Panel discussion Joe Root/All photos by Dan Nsengiyumva.. On the panel was Clement Kabiligi, the Acting Education Unit Coordinator at Imbuto Foundation; Djamilla Mathu, Data Science Project Lead at Locus Analytics (New York and Kigali); Rosine Murekatete, Recruitment Specialist at One Acre Fund Rwanda; and Dieudonne Rwabulindi, Founder of Serene Life Ltd. The DOT alumni shared their journeys to their current successes, reminding graduates of the importance of lifelong learning, networking, collaboration, and commitment to excellence in whatever they do, and advised the group to not be afraid of failure. Olaf Seidel, Program Director for Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development (DSSD) also spoke during the ceremony, advising the graduating youth to go out with open minds, open thoughts, go dare, be creative, take risks, fall in love with your solution, collaborate, have longevity to get to execution. The acting Director General of Employment and Labour in the Ministry of Labour and Public Service graced the event as the guest of honour. In his closing remarks, he highlighted Rwandas policies aimed at equipping youth with employable skills aligned to labour market needs. He commended DOT Rwanda’s interventions, which are aligned with employment, workplace learning and TVET policies. “I encourage you to apply what you learnt from DOT programs in your communities, and the government is committed to supporting you,” he told the graduates. Digital Ambassadors who went beyond the call of duty during their engagement in the program were awarded Mara Phones. Special recognition was also given to Digital Ambassadors with disabilities who led as digital champions and role models to impact a larger number of People with Disabilities in Rwanda. From left to right, Digital Ambassador representatives, DOT Rwanda Country Director, Program Director for DSSD and Acting DG of Employment and Labour/Dan Nsengiyumva About DOT Rwanda DOT Rwanda is a youth-led movement of daring social innovators who have the tools, knowledge, and networks to create opportunities and transform their own communities. DOT Rwanda supports youth to become innovators and leaders and to create and apply digital solutions that have a positive impact in their communities. To date, DOT Rwanda programs have engaged more than 800 youth leaders in Rwanda who have in turn trained more than 100,000 community members, 50% of whom are women.
