Eighteen girls have enrolled in the fourth cohort of the Kutoa Afrika Foundation’s free computer training program in Liberia. The program, which began with an orientation ceremony in Rehab, Paynesville, aims to equip young Liberians with practical digital skills. The training has been expanded to four months with the introduction of artificial intelligence and internet fundamentals courses. This move is intended to better prepare the students for educational and professional opportunities in a technology-driven world.
The Kutoa Afrika Foundation has trained 54 students through its first three cohorts, with 12 beneficiaries receiving laptops for their outstanding academic performance. The third cohort enrolled 18 students, 16 of whom successfully completed the training, and four graduates received laptops for their performance. Executive Director Emmanuel Divine Kpoto stated that the foundation has been able to empower 54 students from the first three cohorts and provided 12 of them with laptops.
The decision to extend the training period from three to four months was made to strengthen participants’ digital knowledge and prepare them for emerging technological demands. The new courses in artificial intelligence and internet fundamentals will expose students to emerging technologies while enhancing their understanding of essential online communication and internet use. Kpoto noted that many young people are familiar with social media platforms but lack basic knowledge of professional digital communication.
The foundation’s computer training program has received commendations from former beneficiaries and education officials. Andriel Y. Topoe, a former beneficiary, credited the foundation’s program with helping her navigate a computer-based university entrance examination. She encouraged the new participants to approach the training with dedication and commitment. Garsumo Dorley, principal of Star International School System, also praised the foundation for providing young people with practical computer education.
The training program is expected to begin regular classes on Monday, November 9, with the 18 participants scheduled to undergo four months of practical instruction and assessment. The four highest-performing students will receive laptops upon successful completion of the program, continuing the foundation’s practice of rewarding academic excellence and promoting digital literacy among young Liberian girls.
The Kutoa Afrika Foundation has also undertaken community development initiatives, including the construction of three water stations. One of the trainers, Madam Arthurline, praised the foundation for providing free computer training opportunities to young girls. She recounted her own difficulties acquiring practical computer skills during her education and encouraged the participants to appreciate the opportunity and take advantage of the training.
The program aims to promote digital literacy among young Liberian girls and prepare them for educational and professional opportunities. With the introduction of artificial intelligence and internet fundamentals courses, the foundation is equipping students with skills that are increasingly important across different professions. The foundation’s efforts have been recognized by education officials and former beneficiaries, who have praised the program for its positive impact on the students.
Key points
- The Kutoa Afrika Foundation’s digital skills training program aims to equip young Liberians with practical digital skills and better prepare them for educational and professional opportunities.
- The program has trained 54 students through its first three cohorts and provided 12 of them with laptops for their outstanding academic performance.
- The foundation has introduced artificial intelligence and internet fundamentals courses to strengthen participants’ digital knowledge and prepare them for emerging technological demands.
