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Insights from the Digital Employment and Training Centers Validation Workshop in Mathare

Written by

Nuvoni@dmin

Post Date

May 20, 2024

Category
- News

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Digital tools have played a crucial role in addressing the ongoing floods in Kenya by facilitating communication. Primarily, these tools have been utilized to share real-time updates on the situation from grassroots sources to both the general population and authorities. The robust communication network, enabled by digital tools, has effectively facilitated aid and adaptation efforts for those affected by the floods. As efforts to build resilience for urban populations continue, access to information becomes increasingly crucial. While digitalization lies at the core of many activities, a significant access gap persists. This raises the important question of how to bridge the digital divide gap. Our Phase II of digitalization and resilience project looks at how community telecentres also known as digital hubs can be used to enhance quality of life, including response to disasters in low-income neighborhoods.

On 30th April 2024, Nuvoni Research co-hosted a validation workshop alongside Ghetto Foundation who have been at the forefront of helping the victims of floods in Mathare, on the data collected on the establishment of a digital hubs in Mathare. The workshop specifically engaged members of the Mathare community, ensuring representation from the eight pre-identified target groups with a gender-balanced approach. Additionally, representatives from selected proposed locations for the hub and local administration were also invited to participate.

The workshop aimed to validate various aspects related to digital hubs, including the locations of the sites, digital needs and challenges, services and facilities offered by the hubs, as well as their management and sustainability. This validation process was crucial for ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the project findings, ultimately contributing to the effective implementation of digital hubs within Mathare and other informal settlements in Kenya.

The session was structured into various stations where data was displayed for examination. Community researchers were stationed at different stations to elucidate and receive feedback from participants. The central question posed during this session revolved around the efficiency of data collected in providing knowledge for designing the ideal digital and employment centers for Mathare to achieve digital inclusion. A notable takeaway from the session was the comprehensive representation of the community’s digital needs, which will serve as a cornerstone for future planning and implementation efforts.

From the discussions, the chosen digital hub sites are strategically located in central areas with robust security measures in place. This will make them easily accessible to all residents of Mathare. Furthermore, community members emphasized the importance of the hub addressing non-digital needs, particularly those of youth and women, to ensure their comfortable and comprehensive use. These non-digital services should be tailored specifically to meet the needs of the community. For instance, incorporating a studio for artists and musicians would cater to the creative expression and talent development needs of the youth. Additionally, it was suggested that the hub’s facilities include amenities designed for babies under two years old within the children’s play area. This approach promotes inclusivity and accessibility for families with young children, enhancing the hub’s overall impact within the community.

The digital hub is expected to benefit students from schools with limited digital facilities. To address this, the hub can offer its space for hire to multiple schools without computers, allowing all students to access digital tools. The funds generated from these rentals can serve as a sustainable source of funding for the hub, supporting its ongoing operations and initiatives.

The efficiency of the hub relies heavily on its sustainability. Based on insights gathered from this session and past interactions, it has been found advantageous to establish clear roles for each member of the committees. These roles detail their specific responsibilities in managing the operations, maintenance, and long-term viability of the hub.

The workshop provided valuable insights and lessons on the design of digital hubs in informal settlements. It served as a foundational step towards developing a proposal that is responsive to social needs to the ICT Authority (ICTA), offering a reference framework for customizing hubs to meet specific societal needs. Furthermore, this work is expected to significantly contribute to the production of additional academic outputs, which will be presented at the upcoming City-wide Workshop. This event will serve as a forum to engage with policymakers, fellow researchers, and community members to exchange ideas and celebrate the collaborative process of knowledge co-production in the field of urban development.

Digital Hubs