Diaspora-based experts set to invest in 1m unskilled Africans
Some diaspora-based experts are set to inaugurate an education technology and skill mobility initiative that will help bridge knowledge and skill gaps and drive socio-economic growth across Africa.
The experts, a group of over 30, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday in commemoration of the International Migrants Day marked annually on Dec. 18.
They said they were targeting one million unskilled Africans.
The statement noted that the experts are from the United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America, Australia, and Hong Kong/Asia.
They include Josiah Jackson-Okesola – United Kingdom; Steven Adeseko – United Kingdom; Bethel Omeife – United Kingdom; Josephine Amoah – United kingdom; Opeyemi Famuyiro – United Kingdom; Olayiwola Famuyiwa – United Kingdom; Adeola Folorunsho – Canada; Kafayat Popoola – United States; Charles Oguntade – Australia; Damilare Akingbade – HongKong.
According to the statement, the project will kick off in 12 target countries including Nigeria; Ghana; Kenya; Cameroon; Zambia; Zimbabwe; Uganda; South Africa; Sierra Leone; Lesotho; Malawi; Liberia.
‘’We are of the firm position that the arguments about benefits of international migration or brain drain as some may put it, should not be seen only from the perspective of what migrants are taking away from their home countries or bring to their destination counties.
‘’We strongly believe that African migrants have so much to give back to their countries of origin, leveraging on digital technology and educational tools to transfer valuable knowledge and skills.
‘’Also, helping to bridge knowledge and skill gaps, as well as driving socio-economic investment and growth back in their home countries, ‘’the statement said.
It said that the mission of the diaspora-driven project was to skill up, equip, train and empower one million unemployed and unskilled population from Africa over the next five years, preparing them for entry into the technology, nursing and healthcare sectors in Africa.
It said that the project, which was set to leverage the power of digital technology and circular migration to help reverse brain drain, was inspiring and deploying hundreds of the overseas-based experts to help reduce the talent gap in Africa.
It noted that Africa was experiencing a rapid uncontrolled population growth that many currently see as a huge challenge and it had the fastest growing and most youthful but untapped population in the world, with a significant portion under the age of 15 years.
‘’With a projected 2.5 billion people by 2050, the continent is experiencing one of its most explosive population growths ever.
‘’However, rather than see this in the negative light, we are excited about transforming the concern for a rapidly growing population and high rates of youth unemployment, into an exciting opportunity for Africa.
‘’We are seeking to leverage digital technology in building an online international skill and workforce development centre poised to close the skill and talent gap in Africa, and reposition the continent as a major player in global skilled workforce, ‘’ it said.
The statement said that the project was setting up 100 per cent tuition-free skills and career development digital schools that would be open to any talent.
According to it, these include talents with a high school certificate, college diploma or with university undergraduate status with or without any background in the fields of tech, nursing or healthcare.
‘’Applicants are expected to create a free account with the school, and then undergo a pre-admission screening and assessment through a 100 per cent fully sponsored scholarship programme.
‘’The school curriculum is delivered as an overseas-exchange programme by a team of diaspora-based instructors, trainers, mentors, and coaches from across five continents.
‘’This will be followed by a three-month practical experience in form of apprenticeship or internship in the chosen career field.
‘’Lastly, the project hopes to establish strong partnerships with secondary schools, colleges and universities in Africa to integrate its overseas-exchange programs into their curriculums, ‘’ it stated.
