Digital Skills & Career Development Program Launches First Cohort
Refugee Thrive Initiative (RTI) proudly kicked off its very first Digital Skills & Career Development cohort this month, welcoming 25 refugee youth into a hands-on, job-ready technology training program based in Nairobi.
For many participants, this marks their first structured introduction to computers — from basic literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to CV writing and online job search strategies. The program also includes an introduction to coding and cybersecurity awareness, giving participants a broader window into the digital economy.
Why This Matters
Digital exclusion often means economic exclusion. Many refugee youth in Nairobi have had little to no exposure to computers or the internet, which severely limits access to remote work, freelancing, and modern job opportunities. This cohort is RTI's first step toward closing that gap.
What Participants Are Learning
- Basic computer literacy and file management
- Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint fundamentals
- CV writing and job application best practices
- Online job search strategies and platforms
- Introduction to coding concepts and cybersecurity awareness
- One-on-one career mentorship sessions
The training runs over several weeks, combining classroom instruction with practical, hands-on lab time. RTI's volunteer facilitators — themselves drawn from the refugee community — bring both technical expertise and lived understanding of the barriers participants face.
What's Next
RTI plans to run this cohort on a rolling basis as resources allow, with the goal of training 100 youth in digital skills within the program's first year. Interested in supporting or sponsoring the next cohort? Reach out via our Contact page.