What We DO
Young people have experience, passion, and insight rooted in the needs and challenges of their communities. DOT programs support youth to deepen their understanding of those needs and challenges, and provide them with the tools, knowledge, networks, and support to launch sustainable social initiatives that create positive change.
With DOT Ethiopia’s support, youth develop entrepreneurial mindsets and communication, teamwork, decision-making, and digital skills. Their initiatives create a ripple effect of opportunities for themselves and others, leading to jobs, businesses, and sustainable social and economic change.
We’re doing this in four ways: by training young women and men to develop their leadership skills and become entrepreneurs and daring social innovators who can transform their communities and create opportunities; through a network of Business Development Service Centres throughout the country; by supporting community organizations to to use integrate technology; and by supporting women, particularly those who are marginalized, in their lives and communities.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
We work with young unemployed college and university graduates who are entrepreneurial and socially-minded, passionate about starting a business or initiative that creates a livelihood for themselves while also having a positive impact in their community.
DOT Ethiopia’s youth leadership program equips young people with the skills, motivation, and knowledge to create and apply digital solutions that solve pressing challenges and have a positive impact in their community. Supported by mentors, they gain the confidence, knowledge and tools to launch businesses and social enterprises.
Youth in our program offer digital skills and innovation training to their communities through our BDS Centers, at community organizations, and in partnership with women-focused organizations throughout Ethiopia.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICE CENTERS
We run four Business Development Service (BDS) Centers throughout Ethiopia, with locations in Hawassa, Mekelle, Bahir Dar, and Addis Ababa.
Our BDS Centers are business innovation incubators, run by youth and supporting local entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and networks to build sustainable businesses that create jobs and contribute to the local economy.
WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT
We have a particular focus on women across all our programming.
It’s important to us to focus on women, especially women in marginalized communities in Ethiopia, to create opportunities for social good, economic change, and community development that are responsive to their needs.
DOT Ethiopia’s programs equip women with technology, business and entrepreneurial skills so that they can create opportunities for themselves and participate fully in the economic and social development of their communities.
The majority of young people in our youth leadership program are women, and most of our community partners have women-focused programs and approaches.
CAPACITY BUILDING FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
At DOT Ethiopia, we work closely with community partners to support them to better meet the entrepreneurial and technical training needs of the communities where they work.
Young people who have participated in DOT Ethiopia’s youth leadership program work with community organizations throughout Ethiopia integrate digital into their work and scale their impact in communities using technology, facilitation best practices, and proven community outreach methods.
Our programs provide young people with the opportunity to develop skills, deep knowledge, networks, and investment in their ideas. Key to the success of all of DOT’s young leaders is:
Experience-based learning DOT provides training to young people while they build their skills and abilities in and alongside local communities, business, institutions, and organizations.
Community impact Young people put their knowledge to work, and gain a deep understanding of the needs, challenges, and what they can contribute to their local community.
Networks Our young leaders are connected with peers, global networks, mentors, and network of partners who all play a role in growing their ideas.
Investment We believe in investing in young people as changemakers and innovators. DOT supports youth through stipends and linking them to job placements and seed funding.
Are you our next Community Leader, Digital Champion, or Social Innovator? Learn more about how to join #DOTYouth
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