Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation Granting Scholarships to Digital Leaders of Tomorrow Nationwide
In a significant stride towards empowering Ethiopia's youth, the Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation has launched a national online scholarship program, which forms part of the broader Digital Inclusion for Youth (DIY) Project. This initiative aims to equip young Ethiopians with digital skills, preparing them to become future digital leaders in the country.
The program, designed to facilitate online learning and digital skill development, will reach over 75,000 youth across Ethiopia, with 1,000 beneficiaries receiving intensive scholarship support. The first cohort of scholars, consisting of 100 young individuals, has already commenced their training.
The selection process for the scholarships was rigorous, with over 12,000 applicants. The program prioritized diversity and inclusion, ensuring representation from various regions and a balanced gender ratio among the scholars.
The DIY Project is being implemented in six cities: Addis Ababa, Mekelle, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, Adama, and Debre Berhan. In addition to scholarships, the project will enhance digital infrastructure in youth centres and promote digital entrepreneurship.
The implementation of the DIY Project is a strategic partnership between Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC, Vodafone Foundation, Amref Health Africa, and Gebeya Inc. Selected participants will receive online training, coaching, mentorship, and 6GB of monthly mobile data for a year.
The program is more than just a training initiative; it's an investment in the future of Ethiopia's digital economy. The Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation views this initiative as a strong public-private commitment to building a generation of skilled, connected youth.
This timely initiative arrives at a pivotal moment in Ethiopia's digital transformation, as the country moves towards bridging its digital divide. By removing barriers to access and supporting local talent, the DIY Project is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and digitally empowered society.
The national online scholarship program, part of the DIY Project, will be facilitated through mobile technology, offering 1,000 youth intense support and 6GB of monthly data for a year. Additionally, the program aims to improve digital infrastructure in youth centers across six cities, promoting education, self-development, and digital entrepreneurship nationwide.
