Over 300 Butula Youths Gain Digital Skills Through Ajira Program

Over 300 youths from Butula Constituency have benefited from a week-long digital literacy training courtesy of the Ajira Digital Program, in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and KEPSA.

The program, which aims to equip youths with digital marketing skills, e-commerce, and basic computer literacy, seeks to address unemployment in rural areas by empowering them with digital skills.

Speaking to the press at the Butula Youth Empowerment Centre, Ajira Digital Center Manager Millicent Kulubi emphasized that Ajira aims to empower youths with relevant skills to tap into the potential of the digital economy.

"The initiative seeks to promote online work among youths within Butula Constituency, thus addressing unemployment. The program is designed to support youth in Butula to build online careers," said Kulubi.

The Ajira Digital Program introduces young people to online digital work, providing them with the tools, training, and mentorship needed to work from anywhere, as long as they have access to a smartphone or another digital device and an internet connection.

"This program will offer them an opportunity to enjoy economic freedom by earning an income online, thereby improving their livelihoods and securing the socio-economic stability of their families," she added.

Butula Constituency Youth Coordinator Julius Otieno praised the youths for embracing the program, highlighting its role in developing digital skills and fostering self-reliance.

"I want to commend the youths of Butula for embracing this program. It aims to bridge the gap between skills demand and job scarcity. The Ajira Digital Program seeks to position Kenya as a preferred labor destination for multinationals, local companies, and the public sector," said Otieno.

These sentiments were echoed by Awiti Sharon, who noted that the basic skills they have acquired have prepared them to explore the global market and empower themselves.

"The Ajira Digital Program is instrumental in overcoming the challenge of unemployment. The program's free training, mentorship, and job linkages will empower us to work as freelancers or marketers, ensuring a steady income to meet our financial obligations," noted Sharon.

The youths also took the opportunity to acknowledge area MP Joseph Oyula for his keen interest in digital literacy empowerment programs.