The onset of the Pandemic in 2020 highlighted what was a long time coming on the digital front. Individuals and businesses alike were beginning to feel the effects of the digital revolution. The pandemic however with the introduction of remote work and the compulsion of social distance amplified the revolution and role of digital skills in our time. It’s been a wild ride for businesses in 2021 and 2022, forcing many to accelerate digital change and reimagine the role of their spaces.
Integrated Social Innovation Hubs.
For Empserve, this meant rethinking social work in the time of a pandemic. We had just pivoted to the Nairobi Social Innovation Hub in 2020 when Covid-19 hit. The hub was a culmination of many years of efforts and we were keen to scale our impact. With the help of our partner the Women Worldwide Web we have been able to empower 8 cohorts of girls from the neighboring areas of Mathare, Huruma, Kariobangi, and Dandora informal settlements, totaling 110 girls. We are currently training our 9th Cohort.
The progress and impact achieved in these two rough years has been formidable. The girls have not only found a safe space but also gained new skills in basic and advanced IT.
We have established two digital innovation hubs adequately furnished with computers and training resources. The Kajiado Hub based in a girls’ rescue center focuses on young women rescued from early and forced marriages and female genital mutilation ordeals.
The social Innovation Hubs aim to:
- Increase advocacy efforts against sexual and gender-based violence,
- Build the confidence of young women and girls through life-skills development and peer counseling.
- Expand livelihood opportunities through digital literacy, Social entrepreneurship, and jobs linkages.
Consequently, we have trained over 350 young women on life skills, career counseling, and basic & advanced ICT transitioning them to social entrepreneurship or jobs. Over 60% have accessed jobs or started a business.
Show up for the youth. Be a Champion!
With every Cohort intake, we receive an overwhelming number of interested participants. Most of them are desperate for any opportunities to support themselves and their families. We can only do so much. We have seen more than half of our successful graduates transition to apprenticeship, internship, or to digital incubation programs to undertake social enterprise development. We would like more of such success stories.
For most of these youths, opportunities like these are a lifeline. You can help us reach more of them. Help us get more laptops for youth in disadvantaged rural and urban communities.
Here is how you can make your donation:
- Reach out to us to pick up your donations through: 0770 426 360 or connect@empserve.org
- Send your cash donations through our mobile money MPESA option. Paybill 400 222. Account Number 619 091 and add your name after the account number.
- Drop off for your donations at the Social innovation Hub @ KCDF House, Chai Road Pangani, 4th Floor
- For further inquiries write to us at connect@empserve.org.
