Data Analytics Digital Accelerator DADA

PJI will contribute to addressing the Indonesian 'skills-gap' challenge by ensuring young women are provided with specialized training focusing on meeting the demands of Indonesian businesses. The Data Analytics Digital Accelerator (DADA) project will contribute to an increase in the number of females securing employment within the fastest growing industries in Indonesia. Major online businesses such as Tokopedia, Shopee, and Lazada are consistently seeking personnel with specific technical skills. DADA will provide these businesses with access to a larger pool of skilled workers. This contributes to addressing the crucial 'skills-gap' between graduation and entry into the workforce. Young women will secure skilled employment with opportunities for advancement and achieve a sustainable livelihood and improved well-being. 

PJI will leverage digital training resources from partners, such as Microsoft, to provide young women with tech competencies. These consist of online training and labs focusing on data analytics, development operations, and IT support. 

Indonesia spends just 3% of GDP on education (compared to 5% in Malaysia). Resources are limited and young people graduate from formal education without the necessary technical skills to meet the demands required within a the workplace. Pre-covid female unemployment (aged 15-24)  was a massive 21.4% (worldbank.org). The World Economic Forum identified Indonesia as ranking 101 of 156 nations in its Gender Gap Report 2021 with Economic Participation ranking at 99 and Education Attainment at 107 (https://theaseanpost.com/article/wef-135-years-reach-gender-parity). Gender inequity regarding access to STEM education opportunities and vocations in Indonesia reinforces these findings - just 30% of the workforce in the STEM sector are female. There is a false stereotype that women are less capable of working in STEM fields so resources dedicated to preparation, training, and work placement are often provided to advance male engagement rather than female.

DADA will address the need for an improved provision of technology-focused education for females in Bogor, West Java. Being one of the most densely populated areas in Indonesia training resources are thinly spread and access to impactful technical training is limited. This is a contributing factor to the region having the second highest unemployment rates for women in Indonesia.   

Business perspective: Mr. Furin Ongko (Technical Manager AWS Indonesia) stated (December 2021) that there is an acute shortage of individuals possessing necessary skills for employment in data analytics, software development, cybersecurity, IT service and management, and virtualization fields. It is important that strategies are put in place to address this challenge. 

DADA will provide a fundamental service of STEM training to young women who have been excluded from participation in a technology centered education and, as a result, face economic exclusion.  Beneficiaries will be 300 underserved young women (18-23 years of age) who do not have access to personal resources necessary to engage in upskilling. Working together with local government PJI will map communities and identify individuals who; i) are representative of low-income families, ii) possess the ability to respond positively to new and challenging education experiences, iii) have the potential to achieve transformative change, and iv) will add value within a 4.0 economy. PJI currently operates multiple initiatives in the West Java province and has an acute understanding of the characteristics of underserved communities - especially women. We have also forged meaningful relationships with local government and community groups and it is these relationships that we will leverage to mobilize DADA participants.

Using a similar model to that of the collaboration between Microsoft and PJI recently piloted in other locations in Indonesia young women will be engaged in a series of tailored 'hands-on' learning activities. DADA will address the important need of identifying and readying/strengthening beneficiaries with the digital competencies demanded by business. PJI will mobilize Geek Hunter and other local businesses to match the IT talent graduating from DADA with prospective employment opportunities.

DADA is a transformative program - identifying/selecting beneficiaries, supporting their technical knowledge/skill acquisition, and linking successful graduates with potential employment opportunities utilizing PJI networks.

Significant technological transformations taking place in Indonesia provide opportunities for many more women to become actively involved within a skilled workforce.  DADA increases the participation of underserved communities in specialized content and strategies training (digital & blended) focusing on data analytics and associated fields of employment.

The female focus will  challenge discriminatory gender norms in West Java - an area which remains quite patriarchal. Although a women's traditional role is seen as being in the home this perspective is slowly changing. The emerging youth generation, now ready for entry into the workforce, are more likely to consider opportunities for upskilling in support of realizing their potentials.  DADA will challenge the prevalent norms and work with communities in providing these opportunities.

Impactful relationships will be forged with local partners and government entities, leveraging the utilization of facilities and IT resources and contributing to sustainability.  By concentrating  on an improvement in technology centered training we will catalytically encourage better outcomes for young women through the provision of knowledge acquisition, improved confidence, and a mind-set shift. This establishes opportunities which do not currently exist and will encourage official recognition and online certification from one of our corporate partners (Microsoft).

In direct response to the demand of business DADA will ensure youth are prepared for skilled employment. For those individuals who have successfully completed all training components PJI will assist in securing employment by introducing graduates to our business network. 

Ms. Utami Anita Herawati.

Program Manager for all Operations in West Indonesia. Thirteen years experience working for PJI and in charge of a team of 8 Program Officers.

PJI will uplift the digital literacy competencies of young women through the provision and mobilization of a specialized series of online tools developing and improving understanding of data. Although PJI is currently piloting this undertaking in other areas of Indonesia (with the support of Microsoft) this is a 'first-time' opportunity for women in West Java. An initial two hour training will introduce beneficiaries to the benefits of pursuing a career path related to digital skills and data science using translated/localized Microsoft generated training materials. PJI will track engagement using registration on our LMS and initial training will culminate in a participant assessment and lab experience.  

The top 100 performers will be selected to undertake an in-depth program which delivers more comprehensive digital skills training.  This innovation requires beneficiaries to select courses from five career tracks; data analyst, data scientist, development operations, software developer and IT support. The young women will then complete these online courses - each track consisting of 10-20 hours of engagement with accompanying labs. As courses are conducted remotely the participants are able to engage as/when they are free. This flexibility is of value as some beneficiaries may already have livelihood commitments which places demands upon their time. 

PJI has secured the endorsement of the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Research & Technology for implementation in government funded institutions nationwide. DADA aligns closely with the goals of the Ministry and is able to contribute an impactful innovation in pursuit of these goals.

PJI will mobilize specialized digital education resources developed by our partners in support of upskilling young women. These partnerships include the JA Worldwide network, local government, business mentors (including Microsoft), MIT Solve and the Caterpillar Foundation.  Collaboration combines global resources with those generated from within the nation adding significant education value beyond that currently available. All online tools are translated and localized to align with the specific needs of target populations. The principle software is generated by Microsoft, localized/translated by PJI, and delivered via the LMS digital platform.

The program consists of two stages: a 'breadth program' and a 'depth program'.

The 'breadth program' will use Microsoft generated software which introduces beneficiaries to employment fields of data analysis, digital marketing specialist, and similar. This two hour ‘breadth program’ will culminate in a lab and an assessment of participant performance.  The breadth program is entirely online and supported by PJI.

The 'depth program' will engage the best 100 participants, who have successfully completed the 'breadth program', to continue engagement in a more comprehensive digital skills training.  Beneficiaries will choose training pathways from five career tracks; data analyst, data scientist, development operations, software developer and IT support. They will then begin the online courses of 10-20 hours with accompanying labs for each career track. The courses are challenging and levels of beneficiary achievement will be monitored throughout.

Upon completion of the depth program PJI will facilitate graduate employment or internships within the business sector mobilizing our networks. 

If young women are provided with opportunities to improve their understanding of technology and achieve confidence in its use they will be better prepared for securing skilled employment within a 4.0 economy because they will be able to demonstrate an effective use of technical skills and knowledge required to add value to the economy and achieve an improved well-being.  

DADA will mobilize a strategy which advances three distinctive layers of impact goals;

i) People-level (young women)

Young women will participate in a 'hands-on' learning experience which will assist in securing an improved well-being for themselves and their families in the future. The attainment of certification from Microsoft and Government Agencies will be a huge advantage for DADA graduates as they seek skilled employment or advancement in their careers. 

ii) Systems-level (training content within targeted institutions)

DADA will be a catalyst for change. Communities will achieve an improved awareness of the importance of technology driven and content laden education experiences for young women. DADA will contribute to 'normalizing' the integration of technology as a part of the learning process for young women and promote the value of aligning education/training with the needs of the job market over the next 5 years.

 iii)  Organizational-level (influencing Government Authority decision-makers).

In 2022, 300 beneficiaries will be recognized by local authorities as successfully participating in the DADA  breadth initiative and another 100 in the depth experience. Decision-makers will advocate expansion of implementation within the regency in 2023 and beyond. A memorandum of understanding between PJI and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Research & Technology provides an endorsement of our initiatives and sanctions programmatic expansion as driven by PJI. DADA will amplify the importance of innovative programs which advance technology education over the next 5 years. Education authorities will acknowledge positive program impact and promote implementation elsewhere in Indonesia. 

1. Training of 300 female beneficiaries in an introductory technology focused Work Readiness course.

2.  Selection of 100 females to participate in a comprehensive series of five training experiences focusing on employment as data analyst, data scientist, development operations, software developer and IT support.

3. 70% of participants will successfully complete comprehensive training and receive Microsoft Certification. 

4. Linking 70% of graduates with opportunities for employment or internship utilizing at least 3 business networks. 

5. Mobilization of Indonesian language online resources including one breadth training lesson and associated lab and five in-depth training lessons with labs.

6.  Partnerships with pertinent government agencies to endorse and support implementation.

7. The provision of resources and associated support resulting from partnerships with the private sector, including Microsoft.

8.  Frequent and ongoing communication with the team at MIT Solve and the Caterpillar Foundation as determined by Future Work.

1. Structural barriers including social and institutional norms borne as a result of traditional biases in West Java often exclude females from access to education resources and opportunities.  This will be an ongoing challenge however, as a result of proof of concept and associated beneficiary success, it will diminish in intensity over a period of 5 years.

2. Systems Change: PJI will be seeking an innovative systems change in order to implement an online experience for beneficiaries. Change can promote insecurity and a lack of appreciation of the value of the change. 

3.  Strategic Coherence: Frequently, PJI is asked by stakeholders to address challenges within the education/training environment which are not part of its project mandate placing undue stress on time and resources.

4. Impact Assessment: Potential challenges may occur in tracking impact and these need to be identified and addressed at all stages of implementation.

5. Programmatic Support: Although course material begins at a rudimentary level it does progress in difficulty. The 'in-depth' courses may be challenging to many participates and it will be necessary to provide a support mechanism which aids in comprehension and motivation. 

1. Structural Barriers: PJI will be realigning the underlying norms, policies, and relationships related to the education/training of young women to achieve a more inclusive equilibrium. We will secure equitable outcomes through constructive dialog with local decision-makers using a process of reasoned advocacy. This will be non-threatening and incremental in nature involving government and other partners with a goal of encouraging transformative change.

2. Systems Change: PJI will, in collaboration with partners, define agendas, determine priorities, and enforce actions. In doing so, pathways for change will be defined and program implementation will be undertaken collaboratively.  A pragmatic and sequential approach will be necessary to overcome this barrier. 

3. Strategic Coherence: PJI will maintain strategic coherence through communication and focusing on its core DADA purpose and make the necessary choices to strengthen that purpose. 

4. Impact assessment: The PJI LMS will be utilized in support of tracking beneficiary engagement and levels of understanding. This information will be collated and utilized to assess programmatic strengths and need for improvement.

5. Programmatic Support: PJI will provide a 'help desk' to assist participants. Groups will be established to support understanding and mentor engagement from, for example, Microsoft or, if possible MIT (translation available).

Ms. Utami Anita Herawati - Project Lead (12 years)

Ms. Myria R. Khasandy - Finance Manager (3 years)

Mr. Jaya Panggabean - Communications Manager (3 years)

Ms. Elsa Yanti - Human Resources Manager (6 months)

Mr. Tegar Anandhita - IT Specialist (1 year)

PJI has fifteen years of experience working with youth in Indonesia. This, together with access to support from our 116 member JA Worldwide network, provides a vast portfolio of resources and delivery strategies which have impacted the lives of thousands of young people annually. We work with some of the world's largest corporations (including Caterpillar) to implement STEM education initiatives for young people aged 10 - 30 years. Our success has been recognized by the US Government through a 2018 Project Sustainability Award and the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Research & Technology through a Memorandum of Understanding which endorses collaboration. This latter partnership provides PJI with access into every State High School in Indonesia in support of improved digital and financial literacies together with entrepreneurship education. PJI Senior staff are acutely aware of the importance of digital literacy and the integration of digital strategies within learning ecosystems. We currently work with the Caterpillar Foundation in support of young women on the island of Batam and this initiative has received enthusiastic response from multiple stakeholders including representatives from the Ministries of Education and Industry. PJI operates multiple initiatives in West Java and has strong networks it can leverage for support.

PJI's goal is to ensure that the majority of our staff, including those at senior level, are representative of gender and the ethnicities we serve. PJI has a total of 34 operations staff and, of these, 62% are female. The Senior Program Managers for East and West Indonesia Regions are both female and have been engaged in PJI operations for a cumulative total of 26 years.  PJI operates comprehensive programs in disparate locations across Indonesia. Our intention is to train and employ individuals representative of the populations we work with as we believe this contributes to achieving greatest impact. Our undertaking in the remote eastern Province of Papua is indicative of this approach. PJI has employed three ethnic Papuan women to implement our Papuan Economic Inclusion project. They have achieved significant success over the last three years by applying their knowledge of local culture and traditions in sustaining partnerships with multiple stakeholders. The DADA Project Manager, Utami Herawati, is from the province of West Java and is familiar with local conditions.

 PJI has an extensive record of promoting the inclusion of the disabled within local economies by providing comprehensive entrepreneurial training and supporting the set up of small business entities. 

Caterpillar Foundation - Girls Exploring STEM implementation for female High School students and appointed teachers living in Batam.

Hewlett Packard - Community Tech Hubs in Vocational High Schools maturing into a technology based 'Re-inventing the Classroom' Initiative.

USAID - Accelerator Project to support female entrepreneurs in the province of East Java understand and utilize Digital Safety and Cybersecurity.

Microsoft - Providing digital training experiences for youth in readiness for employment.

Prudential Indonesia - Working with the economically excluded Papuan population in Eastern Indonesia incorporating both financial and digital literacy (specifically digital safety and marketing).

A. Resources:

i. Developed by PJI

ii. JA Worldwide network.

ii. Partner network (e.g. Microsoft, Ministry levels)

B. Partners and Key Stakeholders

i. Private Sector.

ii. Government.

iii. Other NGO's.

C. Key Activities 

i. Financial Literacy.

ii. Work Readiness (including STEAM).

iii. Entrepreneurship. 

D. Types of Interaction

i. Comprehensive breadth programs.

ii. Compact depth programs (remote/actual)

E. Channels

i. Virtual engagement using LMS

ii. Digital tools such as WhatsApp Business API.

iii. In-person training and support. 

F. Segments

i. Underserved populations prioritized (ethnic minorities, females, disabled).

ii. Urban and rural youth.

iii. Age - up to 30 years.

G. Value Proposition

i. SDG Focus

ii. Direct engagement & delivered and supported by experienced and informed personnel.

iii. Accountability - external audits/reporting

iv. Promoting partnership success - visibility/recognition

H. Cost Structure - combination of fixed and variable costs which are calculated based upon the unique characteristics of each project.

Future Work provides a means by which PJI can contribute to addressing the current lack of opportunity and access provided for females to secure a technology centered education. DADA will contribute to facilitating entry into, or advancement within, skilled employment. PJI has targeted communities in West Java however the challenge exists throughout Indonesia and lessons learnt from the Future Work DADA initiative will assist in supporting an improved resource ecosystem for females in other areas of the nation in readiness for meeting the dynamic needs of the business sector.

PJI is faced with the challenge of developing solutions to barriers independent of third Party support. The collaborative nature of Future Work facilitates an engagement between PJI and both MIT Solve and the Caterpillar Foundation which will support goals of achieving people-level and systems-level outcomes which overcome these barriers. PJI has an established way of looking and acting which has evolved over time and is based on an understanding determined by local experiences. The tailored support program introduces an objective perspective from MIT Solve and Microsoft which will incorporate new ideas and best practices. This partnership will contribute to refining priorities and approaches in addressing barriers, strategic coherence, and structural change. Specifically, strategies which support community acceptance for change - altering a resource ecosystem focusing on technology education which currently benefits males to that which will provide technology-focused skills for females.  

PJI's key partnerships goals focus on creating, maintaining, and advancing positive economic impact for communities. This is achieved by collaboration and leveraging resources to improve well-being through work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy initiatives. 

The education landscape is vast with change occurring at different speeds across the nation - particularly technological change. To ensure PJI is able to continue to provide a positive contribution our staff are required to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to add real value. Consequently, the organization is constantly faced with the need to provide professional development opportunities supporting a maintenance of 'current' technical knowledge and pro-actively promote growth. It is also necessary to determine how best this can be applied within the contexts of specific education/workplace/community environments. Future Work partnerships would support PJI's human capital (staff) in addressing this need.  For example, recent training has taken place focusing on WhatsApp Business API which has supported the expansion of programmatic reach to communities in remote regions. 

Intrinsically linked to the advancement of human capital is partnership support for technical resources and strategies necessary to; create positive change (software/hardware), access and use data (monitoring and evaluation tools), assess impact (data analytics), and augment visibility( web design).