Empowering Youth in Resource Poor Community in Kenya through ICT Training

Abstract: This thesis contributes to the area of Information and Communication for Development and emphases on bridging the digital divide between developed and developing society. Particularly, this project focuses on the empowerment of youth in resource poor community trough ICT training. This thesis conducts a one month field study in Kenya and applies case study method. The aim of the thesis is to evaluate the outcome of Craft Silicon Computer Training Bus project from two perspective, individual empowerment and economic empowerment. Then, practical suggestions are proposed for improvement. Individual empowerment refers to the students’ attitude and skills gained during the training. The economic empowerment indicates employment promotion in ICT-related industry. The case target is Craft Silicon Computer Training Bus project which provides ICT training to youth living in Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya. The evaluation framework of this thesis combines the core indicators of computer training outcomes which proposed by Daniel A. W, et al and the pathway model which proposed by O’Donnell, et al. After the evaluation, practicing suggestions are provided to improve the training program regarding provide high quality training and promote employment opportunities simultaneously. Firstly, the result of this thesis could help Craft Silicon Foundation to recognize the pros and cons of this project and to improve the training. Secondly, the participants of the training could benefit from the improvement and achieve a better study result. Finally, other training programs could learn from the experience of Craft Silicon Computer Bus Project and improve their own programs.