The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Cisco have joined forces to provide digital skills and technical education to displaced individuals and host communities in northeastern Nigeria. The program will be launched in three schools in Borno State, targeting over 2.3 million displaced people in the area. By offering digital upskilling opportunities through the Cisco Networking Academy, 150 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and community members will benefit from training that can open up new opportunities in the labor market.
Both organizations are committed to working with government authorities to ensure the sustainability of the initiative and aligning with the country’s curricula. Cisco plans to establish digital learning labs equipped with conferencing systems and servers to further connect participants and provide them with resources to enhance their skills. These labs will also be connected to Cisco’s network of EDGE centers to support businesses in the technology sector across Africa.
The collaboration between IOM and Cisco aims to provide digital upskilling opportunities to communities in crisis, with a focus on building and equipping schools, upskilling teachers, and creating new programs with the private sector to offer on-the-job training for displaced youth. By addressing the pressing livelihood needs of displaced individuals and emphasizing education, the initiative aims to transition from emergency relief to long-term stability and development-oriented strategies.
Recognizing the importance of the private sector in achieving sustainable migration outcomes, IOM actively seeks partnerships with companies from various industries to leverage their resources and expertise in addressing migration challenges. The Cisco Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Program works with government and private sector leaders to build inclusive communities powered by innovative technology solutions. With over 1,600 projects in 50 countries, the program creates new value for participating countries and their residents.
For more information, please contact Francois-Xavier Ada-Affana from IOM at fadaaffana@iom.int or Mariaan Christian from Cisco at macrist@cisco.com.
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https://www.iom.int/news/iom-and-cisco-provide-digital-skills-displaced-persons-and-communities-northeast-nigeria