In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital literacy has become more than a skill—it is a necessity. As technology continues to shape industries and redefine employment opportunities, communities must adapt to ensure that young people, especially women and mothers, are not left behind.
At the Arise and Shine Care Center Resource Center, we have embraced this transformation through a dedicated program aimed at promoting digital skills and entrepreneurship among youths and young women, equipping them for success in the digital economy.
Empowering Young Women through Digital and Entrepreneurial Skills
The Digital Skills and Entrepreneurship Training Program, supported by Dot-Kenya, is a transformative initiative designed to equip young ladies, mothers, and women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital business environment.
The training focuses on practical and market-driven skills, including:
- Social Media Marketing – helping participants leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to promote their products and services.
- Accounting and Financial Management – enabling women to effectively track income, manage expenses, and plan for sustainable growth.
- Sales Growth and Customer Retention Strategies – teaching essential principles of marketing, branding, and maintaining customer loyalty in competitive markets.
By gaining these skills, women are not only improving their business performance but also building self-reliance and preparing for emerging job opportunities in Kenya’s fast-changing digital landscape.
“The goal is to empower women to take charge of their economic future, using technology as a tool for self-reliance and business acceleration,” said a program facilitator at Arise and Shine Care Center.
Bridging the Digital Divide for Youths
With globalization and technological advancement accelerating, digital literacy has become a cornerstone of employability. Recognizing this, Arise and Shine Care Center has extended its training to youths—particularly recent high school graduates and college students—to ensure they are well-equipped to navigate the digital world.
The program provides basic and intermediate computer training, covering key areas such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, internet use, and digital communication. These skills have become essential in nearly every profession and are highly sought after by modern employers.
Through this initiative, young people who once had limited access to computers are now gaining the confidence and competence to use digital tools effectively in their education, business, and career pursuits.
Creating Learning and Earning Opportunities
Beyond training, the resource center has developed an innovative model that integrates learning, mentorship, and income generation. College students are provided with a platform to practice and refine their computer skills by training younger learners. In return, they receive a small stipend, helping them support their education while gaining valuable teaching and leadership experience.
This approach fosters a cycle of empowerment—where those who have learned pass on their knowledge to others—ensuring that digital literacy continues to expand organically within the community. It also creates a sense of purpose and belonging among youth, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a role to play in building a digitally competent generation.
Impact: Strengthening Digital Inclusion and Employability
The impact of the Digital Skills and Entrepreneurship Program has been both tangible and inspiring.
- Enhanced Digital Literacy: Hundreds of young people and women have gained critical computer and online business skills, positioning them for better employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Increased Economic Empowerment: Participants have used their new skills to start online businesses, improve existing enterprises, and access digital job markets.
- Community Mentorship: College students have become mentors and trainers, fostering peer learning and leadership.
- Bridging the Gender Gap: More young women and mothers are now participating in digital spaces, contributing to a more inclusive digital economy.
And here is one a comment by one of the trainees...
“I never thought I could market my products online or manage my own accounts digitally. This training opened my eyes to new possibilities,” shared one young mother who completed the program.
Building a Digitally Empowered Future
Through the support of Dot-Kenya and the commitment of Arise and Shine Care Center, the Resource Center continues to transform lives through digital literacy. The program not only provides participants with the skills to succeed but also empowers them with confidence, independence, and vision for a better future.
As technology continues to shape global opportunities, the Center’s initiative stands as a beacon of inclusion - ensuring that young women and youths in Kisumu County are not left behind in the digital revolution. By investing in digital literacy, Arise and Shine Care Center is nurturing a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders ready to drive social and economic transformation.