Global technology firm Cisco has partnered with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide digital skills and technical education to displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in Nigeria, specifically in the northeast region. This area has been heavily impacted by terrorism from groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State-West Africa (ISWAP), leading to the displacement of over 2.3 million people.
The program, which will be implemented in three pilot schools in Borno State, aims to benefit 150 IDPs and host community members through the Cisco Networking Academy, a renowned IT job training program. Cisco’s senior vice president and chief social impact officer, Brian Tippens, emphasized the importance of technology as an equalizer and the need to make it accessible to all individuals.
Through this partnership, Cisco and IOM plan to equip people with digital skills that can create new opportunities in the labor market, ultimately helping to alleviate poverty and address ongoing crises in the region. The agreement outlines a framework for collaboration between the two organizations to provide digital upskilling opportunities, including building and equipping schools, upskilling teachers, and establishing on-the-job training programs for displaced youth.
IOM’s Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Laurent de Boeck, highlighted the potential for transformative initiatives to achieve durable solutions in northeastern Nigeria, underscoring the importance of leveraging digital skills to promote socio-economic resilience among displaced populations. In addition to the significant number of individuals displaced by violence, thousands have lost their lives in the militants’ efforts to establish an Islamic State in the region.
Overall, the partnership between Cisco and IOM represents a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in Nigeria through education and skills development, with a focus on leveraging technology to empower individuals and foster economic resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
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https://www.cajnewsafrica.com/2024/06/20/cisco-to-equip-displaced-nigerians-with-digital-skills/