Busia County Government in partnership with Stanbic Bank Foundation, has donated 15 laptops to support the implementation of The Digital Skills Program – an initiative of the Foundation whose mission is to build digital skills among communities with the objective of creating jobs from digital and digitally enabled jobs annually.
The program seeks to provide training and placement linkages for jobs in the digital economy.
Speaking at the event, the County Executive Committee member for Education and Industrial Skills Development, Beatrice Nakholi, highlighted the critical role of digital skills in today’s job market, emphasising that the new equipment will empower youth to address key challenges such as unemployment.
“This equipment will play a crucial role in helping our youth acquire the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive world. This partnership will go a long way in ensuring that our young people are not left behind as the world moves towards digital innovation,” said Ms Nakholi.
Edgar Karani, Team Leader of Stanbic Bank’s Busia Branch, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of digital transformation for young people.
“The world has gone digital, and it is vital for our youth to transition into this new era. Without these skills, they risk missing out on countless opportunities that could improve their livelihoods,” he noted.
The Department of Education and Skills Development also distributed Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy Tools and Equipment procured in the budget of FY 2023-2024.
These included adjustable barbering chairs, massage couches, shampooing chairs, blow-dry machines, hair dummies, manicure tables, and sterilising machines, all of which will be distributed across various Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in Busia.
This collaborative initiative is expected to make a substantial impact on the youth of Busia, preparing them with both digital and vocational skills that will enable them to thrive in an ever-evolving job market.
By Absalom Namwalo
