Malawi check-in! Get the update on cohort 4 from ICT Trainer Eugene.

The fourth cohort of our Digital Inclusion Program (DIP) in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi, has just begun! This majority-refugee cohort includes 60 students between the ages 18-49. Our students come from a variety of countries in Sub Saharan Africa, including the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi, and all are eager to master the skills offered in our DIP!

We recently caught up with Eugene, one of our Malawi ICT instructors, to get his take on the new cohort. 

As a veteran instructor at the Malawi DIP, Eugene shared his expectations, the lessons he’s learned on the job, and his plans for the future of cohort four. Eugene’s interview has been lightly edited for clarity and accuracy.


Q1. How are the new students in Cohort 4 of the Malawi program? How has this new cohort taken to the training thus far?

"Cohort 4 of the Malawi program has been truly inspiring. We are delighted to see their enthusiasm and commitment to the training. The new cohort has embraced the program with great zeal, demonstrating a strong desire to learn and excel in the digital landscape. Their dedication and adaptability have made the initial stages of training remarkably smooth, and we anticipate great achievements from this group."


Q2. What skills are the students most interested in learning – graphic design, Excel, data analysis, etc.?

"The students in Cohort 4 exhibit a diverse range of interests and talents. While many of them express a keen interest in mastering skills like graphic design, Excel, and data analysis, we have also observed a growing demand for digital marketing and content writing. This diversity reflects the evolving landscape of online opportunities, and we are committed to providing them with a well-rounded education that caters to their individual aspirations."


Q3. What were some lessons you learned from past cohorts that you are now applying to this new group?

"Our experience with previous cohorts has been invaluable in shaping our approach to Cohort 4. We have learned the importance of personalized guidance and mentorship to foster students' confidence and skill development. Additionally, we have fine-tuned our curriculum to keep pace with industry trends and emerging technologies. One crucial lesson has been the significance of cultivating a supportive community among the students, which has a positive impact on their learning journey. These lessons are being actively incorporated to enhance the experience for Cohort 4."


Q4. What do you hope to achieve by the end of the program for the students?

"Our ultimate goal for the students in Cohort 4 is to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the online job market. We aim to see them confidently practicing freelancing and earning a sustainable income in fields such as data entry, transcription, translation, digital marketing, social media management, and content writing. Beyond the acquisition of technical skills, we aspire to instill a sense of self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and continuous learning in our students, enabling them to thrive in the ever-evolving digital economy.

We are excited about the potential of Cohort 4 and remain deeply committed to their success. The partnership with Konexio has been instrumental in making this program possible, and we look forward to sharing more success stories in the near future."