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ReachUp!

by Emily Marks — last modified 2007-09-14 18:22
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DOT Ethiopia's ReachUp! entrepreneurial program empowers young adults and women.  ReachUp! is focused on developing an entrepreneurial spirit while leveraging technology as a means by which to develop people's talents, creative idea and skills.  This program is suited for unemployed and those with little technology awareness, and is a great school-work transition program for young adults.

ReachUp! Goals

  • Increase skills experience, confidence and work readiness for youth and women
  • Raise self-esteem by empowering people to create meaningful work and contribute to their community
  • Increase sharing of knowledge and best practices in the use of ICT for social and economic development throughout Africa

ReachUp! Interns

DOT Ethiopia Interns are university and college graduates from a wide range of disciplines united by a common passion for community development through the application of ICTs.

Here are what some of our DOT Ethiopia ReachUp! Interns had to say about our program:

"In my role as an Intern, I work with the SOS Children in Awassa, providing training and guidance to 19 young people, including 14 young women.  All are poor; many work as day laborers to get some form of income.  I find all of them very eager to change and improve their lives.  They are creating opportunities for themselves in order to have a secure future.  All they needs from us is encouragement, guidance and the opportunity to learn new ICT skills to apply to their own livelihood."
- Mentwad Abii, DOT Ethiopia ReachUp! Intern

"The different people that I have met during my internship and the overall experience has given me perspective and made me an enlightened person.  My internship will be continuing for a few months more and I anticipate having more interesting experiences that will be a guide in my life and of course having lots of fun!"

"As a DOT Intern, I have been working with different partners and I find it interesting to work with youth who need to know a better way of life.  I'm trying to give my best for all community beneficiaries."