Evolve Skill Empowerment

Cameroon faces a pressing challenge: a significant portion of its youth population remains unemployed. Approximately 7% (1.2 million) of young Cameroonians are without jobs, and among recent graduates, 30% struggle to find employment. The root cause lies in the lack of essential employability skills, particularly in the digital domain. Around 75% of Cameroonian youth lack proficiency in critical areassuch as basic digital literacy and soft skills.

Contributing Factors are

1. Outdated Education System:

   • The existing education system fails to keep pace with the rapidly evolving job market.
   • Graduates emerge ill-equipped for the demands of the digital age, hindering their employability.

2. Limited Outreach:

   • While NGOs and private organizations have made commendable efforts, their impact remains restricted due to traditional approaches.
   • The country’s rapidly growing population further exacerbates the challenge.

Our solution aims to empower Cameroonian youth by bridging the skills gap and fostering a more resilient workforce. Here’s how we plan to achieve this:

1. In-Demand Skills Training:

   • We organize comprehensive training programs tailored to the needs of our community.
   • These training sessions take place at community centers (such as schools or churches) and our dedicated tech hub.
   • Our modules cover critical areas:
     • Basic Computer Literacy: Navigating software, understanding hardware, and using productivity tools.
     • Internet Proficiency: Safe online practices, effective search techniques, and understanding digital platforms.
     • Soft Skills: Critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and leadership.
     • Digital Collaboration: Leveraging online tools for effective teamwork.
     • Adaptability: Preparing youth for the ever-evolving job landscape.
2. DigiEmpower:

• We collaborate with organizations providing soft skills training.
• By integrating digital tools, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), cloud storage, and video conferencing, we enhance their reach and impact.
• LMS Integration: Facilitating remote learning and self-paced courses.
• Online Collaboration Tools: Encouraging interactive learning and group projects.
• Cloud Storage: Securely storing and sharing training materials.
• Video Conferencing: Enabling virtual workshops and mentorship.

Evolve Skill Empowerment is designed to directly and meaningfully improve the lives of Cameroonian youth who currently face significant challenges related to unemployment and lack of essential skills. Through this solution, we seek to empower 120,000 (10% of the 1.2 million) unemployed youths in Cameroon by the year 2030. Let’s delve into the specifics:

1. Target Population: Cameroonian Youth

   • Demographic: This includes young individuals aged 18 to 35 years.
   • Context: Many of them are recent graduates, school leavers, or those seeking employment opportunities.
   • Underserved Aspect: The current education system fails to adequately prepare them for the evolving job market, leaving them without crucial employability skills.

2. How They Are Underserved:

   • Skills Gap: A substantial portion of Cameroonian youth lacks essential skills required in the digital age. These skills include:
     • Digital Literacy: Basic computer proficiency, internet usage, and familiarity with productivity software.
     • Soft Skills: Critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, teamwork, and leadership.
   • Limited Opportunities: The lack of access to quality training programs restricts their chances of securing employment or advancing their careers.

3. Solution Impact:

   • Empowerment: By providing targeted training, we empower youth with the skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce.
   • Employability: Equipped with digital literacy and soft skills, they become more attractive to employers.
   • Economic Growth: A skilled workforce contributes to economic development and innovation.
   • Self-Reliance: Youth gain confidence and independence, reducing dependency on social support systems.
   • Community Resilience: A more skilled population strengthens the overall resilience of communities.

In summary, our solution directly serves Cameroonian youth by addressing their skills gap, enhancing employability, and fostering a brighter future for both individuals and the nation.

Drawing from our deep understanding of the Cameroonian context and our commitment to youth empowerment. We have to core team members:

1. Ngala Daryl:

   • Background: A seasoned software engineer and passionate youth leader.
   • Proximity to the Community: Ngala is a national of Cameroon, currently residing in Yaoundé. 
   • Experience: As a youth leader in the local church community, he has firsthand experience interacting with young people facing unemployment due to a lack of basic skills.
   • Internship Mentorship: At his workplace, Ngala has overseen interns, many of whom struggled due to insufficient soft skills. He guided and mentored them to enhance their capabilities.
   • Training Leadership: Ngala has led empowerment initiatives in local organizations, including the ICT University and IAI, focusing on digital skills training.

2. Nkwain Gaius:

   • Background: A final-year software engineering student, part-time tech trainer, and curriculum developer.
   • Proximity to the Community: Gaius is also a Cameroonian national residing in Yaoundé.
   • Student Empowerment: He has actively assisted fellow students within and outside the university, equipping them with critical skills necessary for success and job readiness.
   • Youth Programs: Gaius actively participates in youth programs organized by local NGOs, emphasizing essential skills development.
   • Community Engagement: His close engagement with the youth community ensures that our solution aligns with their needs and aspirations.

Additional Team Members:

• Trainers: We collaborate with local experts across various fields to deliver effective training sessions.
• Volunteer Assistants: Both Ngala and Gaius mentor students academically, providing valuable assistance during the implementation of our solution.

Community-Driven Design: Our solution’s design and implementation are meaningfully guided by community input:

• We conduct needs assessments, and surveys to understand the specific challenges faced by Cameroonian youth.
• We engage with local experts and community members to actively participate in developing our training modules, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
• Regular feedback allow us to adapt and refine our approach based on real-world experiences.

Last year, in July 2023, we launched a Youth Empowerment Program at a community church in Yaoundé. Here’s what we achieved:

1. Training Program:

   • We organized a comprehensive training program tailored to the needs of Cameroonian youth.
   • Participants: Approximately 40 youths actively participated.
   • Curriculum: Our curriculum covered critical areas, including basic computer literacy, internet usage, productivity software, soft skills, and digital collaboration.
   • Feedback: We received valuable feedback from participants, allowing us to fine-tune our approach.

2. Impact Assessment:

   • We assessed the impact on the community and individual participants.
   • Skills Enhancement: Many youths improved their digital literacy and communication abilities.
   • Job Readiness: Participants felt more prepared for the job market.
   • Confidence Boost: Increased confidence and self-reliance were observed.

This year, we’ve launched DigiEmpower, a collaborative initiative with the World Changers Association, an NGO focused on leadership development. Here’s what we’re doing:

1. Digital Scaling:

   • We’re digitally empowering the World Changers Association to expand their soft skills training programs.
   • Tools: Leveraging Learning Management Systems (LMS), online collaboration platforms, cloud storage, and video conferencing.
   • Reach: By going digital, they can now reach a larger audience, including remote learners.

2. Community-Centric Approach:

   • Feedback Loops: Regular feedback from beneficiaries guides our continuous improvement.
   • Responsive Design: We adapt based on real-world experiences and community needs.

Empowering 120,000 unemployed youths in Cameroon is indeed an ambitious goal—one that holds immense promise for the country’s future. While our passion drives us, we recognize the need for strategic support to turn this vision into reality.

Technical Expertise:

• Solve’s expertise can guide us in optimizing our digital tools.
• We seek advice on user experience, scalability, and efficient program management. Insights from experts will shape our online platform and ensure its effectiveness.

Partnerships and Resources:

• Solve’s network can connect us with partners who share our mission.
• Financial support will enable us to scale our programs and reach more beneficiaries.

Impact Validation:

• Solve’s support will help us design robust impact measurement tools.
• We’ll track progress, adapt as needed, and stay accountable to our goal.

Our solution, takes a fresh approach to addressing youth unemployment in Cameroon. Here’s why we innovative:

1. Customized Curriculum:

   • We recognize that one size doesn’t fit all. Our curriculum is tailored to the specific needs of local communities.
   • By collaborating with local groups, we create lessons that resonate with young Cameroonians, ensuring relevance and engagement.

2. Holistic Skill Development:

   • Beyond technical skills, we emphasize essential soft skills.
   • Our focus includes clear communication, effective teamwork, and problem-solving—qualities that make a great worker in any job.

3. Community-Driven Approach:

   • We don’t teach in isolation. Instead, we partner with local organizations deeply rooted in their communities.
   • Together, we co-create programs that align with cultural context and address real challenges faced by youth.

4. Enhancing Existing Programs:

   • Rather than reinventing the wheel, we collaborate with existing organizations.
   • By enhancing their reach and impact, we catalyze positive change across a broader landscape.

Broader Positive Impacts

1. Open-Source Learning Materials:

   • We’re developing open-source resources that other organizations can leverage.
   • Imagine a network of youth empowerment initiatives, all benefiting from shared knowledge and materials.

2. Replication:

   • Our DigiEmpower model can be replicated in other organizations.
   • As it spreads, more youth gain access to digital tools and soft skills training.

3. Pan-African Adaptation:

   • Our adaptable approach can extend beyond Cameroon.
   • Other African countries facing similar challenges can learn from our experience and adapt our methods.

Evolve Skill Empowerment isn’t just about skills; it’s about transforming lives. By empowering youth, we create a ripple effect—a more resilient workforce, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.

• Activities:

  • Customized Training Programs:
    • We organize community-based training sessions.
    • Curriculum covers digital literacy, soft skills, and career readiness.
    • Local experts and mentors facilitate learning.
  • Digital Empower Organizations:
    • We leverage online platforms to empower organizations and training programs for wider reach.
    • Provide access to e-learning resources.
    • Foster digital collaboration and skill development.

• Immediate Outputs:

  • Trained Youth:
    • Participants acquire digital literacy, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
    • They gain confidence and readiness for employment.
  • Digital Infrastructure:
    • Online learning platforms and tools are established.
    • Access to e-resources is provided

Short-Term Outcomes:

• Employability Boost:
  • Youth become more attractive to employers.
  • Job placement rates increase.

• Community Resilience:
  • Skilled youth contribute to community development.
  • Local organizations benefit from enhanced soft skills.

Medium-Term Outcomes:

• Economic Growth:
  • A skilled workforce drives economic productivity.
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation thrive.

• Youth Leadership:
  • Empowered youth take on leadership roles.
  • They drive positive change within their communities.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• 120,000 Empowered Youths by 2030:
  • Our cumulative impact reaches the broader goal.
  • Cameroon’s youth are better prepared for the digital age.
• National Transformation:
  • A resilient workforce contributes to national progress.
  • Reduced unemployment positively impacts families and society.

Evidence and Support:

• Feedback and Data:
  • Regular assessments validate our impact.
  • Participant success stories provide evidence.
• Collaboration and Partnerships:
  • Our collaboration with organization with similar missions connects us with resources and expertise.
  • Broader positive impacts emerge as others adopt similar approaches.

Impact Goals: Empowering Cameroonian Youths

1. 120,000 Empowered Youths by 2030

   • Indicators:
     • Number of youths trained through our programs.
     • Number of youths trained through partner organizations we have empowered.
     • Job placement rates among program participants.
     • Long-term employment outcomes (sustained employment, career growth).
     • Community-level changes (increased productivity, local leadership).
2. Digital Empower 25 organizations
   • Indicators:
     • Number of organizations digitally empowered.
3. Economic Growth and Innovation
   • Indicators:
     • Contribution to GDP through a skilled workforce.
     • Entrepreneurship rates among program graduates.
     • Innovation and technology adoption in local businesses.

Measuring Progress

1. Data Collection:

   • Regular assessments during and after training programs.
   • Surveys and interviews with participants.
   • Tracking employment outcomes and success stories.

2. Feedback Loops:

   • Continuous feedback from beneficiaries guides our program improvements.
   • Adaptation based on real-world experiences.

3. Collaboration with Partners:

   • Engaging local organizations and employers.
   • Monitoring participant progress post-training.

Our Core Technology

Learning Management System (LMS):

• Evolve Skill Empowerment leverages on existing LMS to deliver training programs.

• LMS hosts digital courses, tracks progress, and provides interactive learning experiences.
• By using technology, we reach more youths efficiently and ensure consistent content delivery.

• Full-time staff: 2
• Part-time staff: 7
• Others: Not fixed, engaged on need based approach

2 years

• We intentionally seek leaders from different genders, ethnicities, abilities, and age groups. 
• Our goal is to increase representation of underrepresented groups across all levels of our organization.
• We also actively listen to team members’ experiences and concerns.
• Our seek out growth opportunities and encourage team members to partake in them. 

Our financial sustainability plan at Evolve Academy is multifaceted, ensuring both impact and revenue. Here’s how we achieve it:

1. Training Programs Revenue:

   • We charge nominal fees for our training programs.
   • Over the past year, participant fees have covered program costs, allowing us to sustain operations.

2. Digital Empowerment Services Subscription:

   • Organizations subscribe to our digital services.
   • Our partnership with the World Changers Association demonstrates successful subscription-based collaboration.

3. Collaborations and Grants:

   • We actively seek partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and private companies.

Our financial sustainability plan at Evolve Academy is multifaceted, ensuring both impact and revenue. Here’s how we achieve it:

1. Training Programs Revenue:

   • Plan: We charge nominal fees for our training programs.
   • Evidence: Over the past year, participant fees have covered program costs, allowing us to sustain operations.

2. Digital Empowerment Services Subscription:

   • Plan: Organizations subscribe to our digital services.
   • Evidence: Our partnership with the World Changers Association demonstrates successful subscription-based collaboration.

3. Collaborations and Grants:

   • Plan: We actively seek partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and private companies.