The Young African Bookworms Initiative (YABI) has announced a transformative milestone in its journey to bridge the digital divide and empower marginalized children. As part of our groundbreaking Tech for Every Gen Alpha (TEGA) Programme, 20 “Almajiri” and orphaned boys from the Gyallesu community, Kaduna State have been successfully enrolled providing them with access to essential digital literacy skills and renewed hope for a brighter future.
These boys, once confined to the uncertainties of street life, begging for alms and searching for daily sustenance, now hold the keys to a brighter future. Through the TEGA Program, they would gain vital digital skills that open doors to education, social mobility, and opportunity. This shift marks the beginning of a life-altering journey, as these boys are no longer defined by their past but by their potential to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Operating in two low-income communities—Gyallesu and Badarawa—the TEGA Program collaborates with dedicated local organizations to implement its mission. In Gyallesu, the Sardauna Child Destitution Eradication Foundation serves as a key partner, ensuring that participants gain not only digital skills but also foundational literacy through our Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) programme.
Since its inception in 2021, the TEGA Programme has touched the lives of approximately 150 children across Kaduna State. Earlier this year, 15 girls were enrolled into the programme, equipping them with the tools needed to excel in the digital age. Today’s enrollment of 20 boys reinforces our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of their background.
The programme provides comprehensive digital literacy training, including computer skills, coding, and online safety.
A joint report by UNICEF and ITU reveals that 1.3 billion school-age children worldwide lack internet access, with low-income families disproportionately affected. Additionally, Nigeria holds the unenviable record of having the highest number of out-of-school children globally, with UNESCO estimating the figure at 20.2 million.
The TEGA Program addresses these challenges head-on, offering children not only a pathway out of poverty but also a chance to compete on a level playing field with their more privileged peers. By reducing the number of out-of-school children and equipping them with digital skills, we are paving the way for sustainable change.
YABI remains committed to empowering young people and addressing the educational disparities that persist in many communities. By expanding the TEGA programme and reaching more children like those in Gyallesu, YABI is making a significant impact on the future of these young individuals and the broader community.
