Building Digital Confidence at Maono Space

At Maono Space, we’ve always believed in the power of local community members to drive lasting change. This started with our community manager, Zeinab, noticing that some young people, especially young Muslim girls, weren’t using the resources available at Maono Space, especially the computers and unlimited wi-fi, despite our space being located in the heart of our coastal town. She understood their hesitation with coming to the space and remembering her struggles with gaining digital skills when she started working, she was inspired to reach out and help others avoid those same challenges. 

That’s how our  Introduction to Computer Packages course was born. We started small with just 8 Muslim girls whom Zeinab had spoken with their families before welcoming them into our space. These girls learned how to use computers for the first time in their lives. They not only learned how to operate a computer, and how to use Word, Excel, or PowerPoint but they also built their confidence in interacting with technology, a foundation of bridging the digital divide amongst our youth and girls in today’s world.

With the support of our local Muslim religious leaders following a meeting with them here at our space, our introduction to the computer packages initiative grew into a larger group.  For the second cohort, we had a group of 23 young boys and girls who had taken an interest in embarking on a 3-month journey of learning digital skills. This became an opportunity for them to build their confidence, gain practical skills and explore new possibilities.

Over three months, with three 2-hour sessions per week, these young girls and boys learnt a lot of things. Week by week they gained skills in computer operations like word processing and sending emails, graphic design and the use of Canva, and artificial intelligence. They asked questions to learn more, build connections among themselves and support each other. 

But of course, this journey had its challenges. Week by week as lessons continued, participants began becoming less and less in the classroom. Others became inconsistent with attending classes while others ceased to show up altogether which worried their instructor and teacher Billy. This is because it derailed the progress of the classes since one had to be taken through the content in order to be at the same level as others before the next class. After finding out the reason why, it turned out that for many of the participants, travelling to Maono on class days was not easy. The distance was far, and with a lack of income, the cost of transport was too much to bear, hindering them from accessing the much-needed skills.

Despite these challenges, eight participants made it through to the end, as they were determined to overcome the barriers they faced while others dropped out after having gained some little skills. By the end of the program, these young changemakers left Maono Space with confidence, new friendships, the passion to do more with their lives and the knowledge to tackle the digital world on their terms.

This reminded us of why we exist as Maono. To ensure change makers have the space to work and network and the resources they need, influence lasting change in their communities, Here, we are a family that grows together, faces challenges together and builds a future where every changemaker has the opportunities and resources they need to keep creating lasting change within their communities

We are exploring ways to keep up with this program and changemakers are invited. Come see what is possible at Maono Space.