The Digital Malawi Project, funded by the World Bank, aimed to enhance digital literacy and skills in Malawi, particularly focusing on underprivileged communities. The project’s success depended on establishing digital infrastructure and creating an accessible curriculum to bridge the digital divide in the country.
The Ntha Foundation was entrusted as one of the operationalisation partners, in a public-private partnership with the Malawi Government, and as the Project Lead, Nthanda Manduwi was responsible for establishing two tech hubs and developing a comprehensive digital skills syllabus. The objective was to foster community digital literacy, empower individuals with skills relevant to the digital economy, and ensure the platform reached a significant number of users across the country.
Work:
- Establishment of Tech Hubs: Nthanda led the establishment of two tech hubs under the Kwathu Kollective, providing physical spaces equipped with resources for internet access and technology education. These hubs were strategically placed to reach underrepresented communities in Malawi.
- Curriculum Development: She developed and launched a digital skills e-learning syllabus on digitalskillsforafrica.com, targeting foundational technology skills. The curriculum was designed to be accessible, culturally relevant, and covered essential topics like coding, digital marketing, and cybersecurity. Nthanda collaborated with local tech experts and organizations to ensure the content was adaptable for learners at different levels.
- Community Outreach: She spearheaded outreach efforts to encourage enrollment, leveraging partnerships and digital campaigns to attract users. Nthanda coordinated with stakeholders, including the World Bank, local governments, and community leaders, to align objectives and maximize the project’s impact.
Results:
- Nthanda successfully established two operational tech hubs, increasing access to technology within the targeted communities.
- She launched the digital skills syllabus, which taught over 2,000 learners in various digital fields, significantly boosting digital literacy rates and empowering individuals with employable skills.
- The project enhanced community engagement and created opportunities for youth and professionals to gain crucial digital skills, improving their career prospects in an increasingly digitized economy.
Nthanda Manduwi’s leadership in the Digital Malawi Project involved a comprehensive strategy to improve digital literacy in Malawi. She achieved critical milestones such as the establishment of tech hubs, the development of an e-learning platform, and a direct positive impact on over 2,000 learners. This project demonstrated her ability to manage large-scale initiatives, collaborate effectively with stakeholders, and deliver sustainable, impactful results.
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