Digital skills training key to unlocking future innovators and entrepreneurs

Lilongwe November 09, Mana: Manager of Hello School Program at Malawi University of Business and Applies Sciences (MUBAS) Innovation Hub, Tamara Chitawo says Hello School Programs remains focused on developing a digital literate and skilled workforce, a critical aspect of achieving sustainable economic development.

Chitawo told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday 7th following the successful graduation of children in the fifth cohort of the Hello Tomorrow Innovation Hub stipulating that by equipping kids between the ages of 6 and 17 with programming skills is directly contributing to the country’s aspirations of becoming a technologically advanced nation.

She further articulated that empowering young learners to engage with stem education from an early age will enhance their problem solving abilities preparing them for the digital future.

“By proving foundational coding and programming skills, we are helping to create a pool of future innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in technology-paving the way for a digital-driven economic growth across the country,” she said.

Chitawo also disclosed that since the inception of the Hello Tomorrow program, close to 200 kids have graduated with skills in various fields including, web development, and basic digital skills.

According to Tamara Chitawo, a number of strategies have been put in place to ensure Hello Tomorrow programmes are more accessible underscoring outreach initiatives to rural areas to ensure that children in remote areas also benefit from the programmes further increasing the collaboration with organizations that provides funding for underprivileged background kids to actively participate.

“Currently, we are also working with schools, local communities, and other stakeholders to raise awareness of the program and create pathways for children who might otherwise not have access to these opportunities,” she said.

“Hello Tomorrow program is not about teaching technical skills, but it is also about inspiring young minds to dream big and pursue careers in fields they may not have otherwise considered. Our long-term vision is to help create a generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who can tackle challenges in various sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. We are committed to continuing our efforts and partnerships to make sure that no child is left behind when it comes to gaining the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century,” explained Chitawo.

However, Chitawo acknowledged infrastructure constraints resulting in limited number of student accessing Hello Tomorrow programs and inadequate funding to facilitate the expansion of the program as other challenges facing the implementation of the initiative.

Previously during the closing programme of the third cohort at MUBAS, Chisomo Sambakunsi one of the parents acknowledged that through the programme children have learnt programming skills as well as developing other capabilities.

Apart from the Hello Tomorrow Program, the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences Innovation Hub also offers Digital Skills training designed for both professionals and youths, emphasizing proficiency in Microsoft Office Packages and Data Management aiming at enhancing productivity, improve data handling capabilities, and equip participants with essential digital competencies required in today's technology-driven world.