Bridging the Digital Divide: SLF Launches Digital Literacy Programme for Refugee and Host Community Youth

The Sabir Lewis Foundation (SLF) is proud to announce the launch of an inclusive Digital Literacy for Youth Initiative in June 2025 in partnership with Aid Tech Ally, hosted at the Hope for Women and Children offices, located in Ndejje Division, Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso district. This pro-bono initiative aims to address a pressing challenge in refugee and host communities: the widening digital divide that leaves many young people behind in today’s fast-moving technological world.

In our increasingly digital society, basic computer skills, online communication, and digital safety are no longer optional—they are essential for education, employment, and entrepreneurship. However, for many young people in displacement-affected settings, access to technology and training is still a distant dream. This programme is designed to change that.

A Vision of Digital Inclusion

Recognising the urgent need to equip youth with skills for the future, SLF and its partners are rolling out a six-week structured training programme to support 10 young people aged 15–30 from refugee and host communities. Priority will be given to those from marginalised backgrounds, including young women and youth with limited access to digital tools.

The programme will cover a wide range of critical topics—from basic computer operations and internet safety to digital communication and introductory coding—ensuring learners gain both foundational and practical skills.

What Will Participants Learn?

The training follows a weekly structure:

- - Week 1: Introduction to digital literacy and computer basics
  - Week 2: File management, typing, and using common applications
  - Week 3: Responsible internet use and online communication
  - Week 4: Cybersecurity and online safety
  - Week 5: Digital tools for learning, work, and collaboration
  - Week 6: Mini-project showcase and final review
Each participant will receive hands-on training, mentorship, digital toolkits, and access to laptops and internet connectivity. Course notes will be made available both digitally and in print to ensure accessibility for all learners.

Powered by Collaboration

- Sabir Lewis Foundation is offering financial and strategic support to deliver this programme as part of its wider mission to promote inclusion and empowerment.
- Aid Tech Ally is providing technical expertise, training tools, and guidance to ensure content is practical, safe, and relevant.
- Hope for Women and Children Organisation will facilitate local community engagement, participant selection, and provide the venue for in-person sessions.

Measuring Success

The programme will include pre- and post-training assessments to monitor progress, gather feedback, and continuously adapt to learners’ needs. Through this initiative, SLF aims to not only build skills—but also confidence, opportunity, and resilience.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will:

Demonstrate improved digital literacy skills
Gain access to online educational and economic opportunities
Be better equipped for employment or entrepreneurship
Join a growing network of digitally empowered youth

“This programme is more than a training course. It’s a gateway to opportunity for young people who have been excluded from the digital world for too long,” said a representative from the Sabir Lewis Foundation. “Our goal is to ensure no young person is left behind—whether they are navigating a job application, attending an online class, or launching a business idea.”

Get Involved

SLF welcomes additional partners, sponsors, and volunteers who believe in a digitally inclusive future. Whether you’re a tech expert, educator, donor, or advocate, there is a role for you in shaping a more equitable digital landscape.

For partnership opportunities or more information, contact us at: info@sabirlewisfoundation.org