Digital literacy has become a crucial skill in today’s society, and it’s no secret that the digital world is rapidly evolving. It has become an essential aspect of life, and the ability to navigate it with ease is not only important but necessary.
As part of the Government’s plan to accelerate growth and development, Rwanda has set itself the goal of increasing the contribution of technology to 5% in 2024 on the country’s gross domestic product, from 2% in 2020.
Unfortunately, many people, especially in developing countries, lack this skill, and women are disproportionately affected. There are individuals like Ntirabishaka Samuel, who are transforming women’s lives through digital literacy.
Ntirabishaka Samuel, a young man from Rwanda, he is passionate about empowering women through digital literacy. His mission is to bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive society, one where everyone has access to technology and the knowledge to use it. Through his organisation, Eastern Technologies Service Ltd.
Ntirabishaka has impacted the lives of many women by providing them with the tools they need to thrive in the digital world.
Ntirabishaka’s journey began when he realized the lack of digital literacy among women in his community, especially women. He saw how this skill gap was holding them back from realizing their full potential, and he was determined to do something about it.
This young man who is an ICT major started Eastern Technologies Service Ltd in 2018, a community-based organization that provides digital literacy training to women in rural areas of Rwanda.
He said, “That’s why I started this initiative to train them so that they also take part in the country’s goal of increasing the number of people who understand the operation and use of technology.”
Through these courses, women are equipped with the skills they need to enter the workforce, start their own businesses, or pursue further education.
Ntirabishaka says he has taught more than 100 women, and he is planning to continue teaching others, “especially those from marginalized communities,” he said.
One of the women who has benefited from the initiative is Ingabire Angelique, who currently works as an agent in an insurance company in Karongi.
Before joining the program in 2019, Ingabire had never used a computer before. She had limited digital literacy and had struggled to be productive at work.
However, after completing the basic computer skills course, she was able to improve her productivity and her effectiveness at her job in the insurance company.
She said, “In my field we use computers a lot for reports and other things. Now everything I know about computers I learnt from him [Ntirabishaka].”
Ingabire’s story is just one of many. Batamuriza Asiah, who works for one of the non-governmental organizations operating in the Karongi region, says that before Ntirabishaka trained him in technology, there were things he needed to do in his work because he did not have enough knowledge.
Through this initiative, Samuel has empowered hundreds of women, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Samuel’s work is a reminder of the power of education and how it can transform lives. By providing women with digital literacy skills, he is not only empowering them but also creating a more equitable society. Women who have access to technology and the knowledge to use it are better equipped to make informed decisions, access information, and participate fully in their communities.
One Response
Very inspired by this story. I would like to talk to Samuel.Please share his contact if possible
My email is [email protected]