YoWDO Successfully Conducted a Four-Day Job Search Skill Training Through Online Platform to Youth with Disabilities in Dar es salaam

Within the framework of the implementation of the Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment & Entrepreneurship (RISE/E) Project, Youth with Disabilities Organization – YoWDO in partnership with Sightsavers and Challenge Worldwide in support of Standard Charted Bank have from 30 September to 2 October 2024 conducted the training to 40 youth with disabilities, equipping them with skills to navigate through the competitive labor markets

The training being conducted in Dar es Salaam, is the first Accenture training for the RISE/E project that officially launched in June 2024 following the successful implementation of the Economic empowerment implemented by YoWDO in partnership with Sightsavers.

One of the facilitators guiding the youth on the registration in the Accenture platform to be able to access the courses

During the four days of training, the youth with disabilities have been taken through the onboarding process of the enrolment to the Accenture programs, a digital platform that offers a range of training modules ranging from setting up effective career plans, job search skills, and self-employment.

Explaining the training benefits one of the facilitators Mr.  Salum Kabonge said.

The benefits of the training sessions are that they equip you with skills in preparing a CV, interview techniques, communication skills during the job search process, and ethical guidelines in the job environment.

Program Officer Jazila Msuya highlighting the Success of the Training and shares expectations for the next Cohort

We are glad that, this training has been completed however, this is just the first training. We have trained 40 youth with disabilities, we aim to continue providing similar training to reach more youth, we should expect to have the second cohort in mid-November. Overall, we aim to reach more than 250 youth trained. Says Ms. Jazila Msuya- project officer.

On the other hand, Mr. Genarius Who is the head of programs for YoWDO highlighted on the need for the youth with disabilities to have a customized approach to equip them to attend the training, complete all necessary modules, and receive certificates, and finally assist them in securing employment.

Youth with disabilities have unique needs for them to navigate through the competitive labor market, it’s for this reason than, we have decided to bring them together, hired internet devises, you see each have been given with a laptop and then we assist them to step by step to registrer within the Accenture platform to downloading the certificate. Then we have also designed a Customized platform for them to connect with employers. We shall guide them also to register with the YoWDO connect portal-a digital platform geared to connecting job seekers with disabilities and employers. He spoke.

Additionally, Ms. Sabina Maheke who is the Project Officer from Sightsavers emphasized on personal efforts in the job search process. Also, highlighted the need for hard work and self-efforts.

“In the job market there is intense competition you need to persevere without losing hope, because as time goes the number of graduates increases and standing out in this competition you must possess something unique. Recognizing this, we decided to give you the light through Accenture program, which offers access to various courses designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed in the digital world and job market”. She spoke

Program Officer Ms. Sabina Maheke emphasizing on the utilizing of the skills provided in job searching.

Explaining how the youth have received the training, Jackline Bakari said.

We are grateful to YoWDO and Sightsavers. They are working tireless to ensure that we also join the labor market while competitive. We face numerous challenges as compared to our peers without disabilities, more importantly we lack essential skills that makes us competitive, but now with these online courses that we are all taking in one place where we have facilitators who are also youth with disabilities like us are helpful. We also have our own platform to connect with employers, while some of us normally hide their impairments, now with YoWDO Connect we feel at home and interested employers can find us there.

One of the participants Jackline Bakari shares how she gained vital professional skills, and career growth which have enhanced her confidence in job applications.

In ensuring the positive utilization of the provided skills YoWDO Information and Communication team provided the guidelines on how to navigate YoWDO Connect portal, every participant was guided to create an account and register for job alerts according to their professional.

The consultant for the development of the YoWDO Connect giving an orientation session to participants on how to register and use the YoWDO Connect to fill in the candidate profile and apply jobs online.

In conclusion, our primary objective is to empower youth with disabilities by facilitating access to meaningful employment that enhances their livelihoods. Through mentorship and career guidance, we aim to support them in realizing their professional aspirations. It is crucial to acknowledge that the true barriers to employment are not disabilities, but rather the societal attitudes and environmental challenges they face. We urge stakeholders both in the public and private sectors to actively create inclusive job opportunities, recognizing the capabilities and potential of youth with disabilities.