Rack Centre, the premier Carrier and Cloud-neutral data centre in West Africa, has unveiled a groundbreaking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) collaboration in conjunction with The Workplace Centre (TWPC) and United Way Greater Nigeria (UWGN). This alliance introduces the “S.T.E.P. (Skills to Employment Program) and Digital Enablement Workshop,” a transformative initiative aimed at empowering 150 young individuals with essential digital competencies and equipping 50 local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across designated areas within Lagos State.
The training curriculum encompasses a wide range of focus areas, including Graphic Design, Digital Marketing, Front-end Web Development, Networking and Security, and Soft Skills. These meticulously designed training modules not only aim to enhance the capabilities of participants but also aspire to ignite a ripple effect of positive societal change.
Chief operating officer of Rack Centre, Ezekiel Egboye, expressed his enthusiasm about this CSR collaboration. He highlighted that this partnership seeks to empower young individuals to become the next generation of tech-savvy professionals, well-prepared to excel in the burgeoning digital economy. The overarching strategy is to ensure that training beneficiaries gain opportunities to apply their acquired skills within a competitive work environment.
The S.T.E.P. initiative, catering to 150 young talents, will impart them with critical digital skills crucial in today’s fast-paced world. This training, dedicated to nurturing the next wave of tech-savvy professionals, is scheduled to commence on October 9, 2023, spanning eight weeks.
The Digital Enablement Workshop, tailored for SMEs, will equip these businesses with essential digital tools and best practices to boost operational efficiency, broaden market reach, and contribute to the sustainable growth of their enterprises. This training, designed to foster technological advancement at the grassroots level, will kick off on November 6, 2023, and extend over a period of four weeks. The vision behind this initiative is to cultivate a resilient ecosystem of thriving businesses that positively influence the economic landscape.
Ezekiel Egboye shared his thoughts on the partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with TWPC and UWGN to launch this significant initiative. We firmly believe that it will play a pivotal role in bridging the prevailing skills gap among youths and SMEs. The demand for digital skills continues to grow globally, and Nigeria is no exception. Through our combined efforts, we aspire to uplift communities, transform lives, and contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future.”
Dr. Moji Olateru-Olagbegi, CEO of TWPC, expressed her pride in supporting this initiative, which promises to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for Nigeria. She emphasized that the digital economy is opening new doors of opportunity for all, and this partnership is a step in the right direction.
Deola Durodola, Executive Director of UWGN, stressed the indispensable importance of digital skills in today’s business landscape, noting the shift from brick-and-mortar operations to digital realms. She affirmed their commitment to helping young people acquire the skills essential for success in the digital age, characterising this training as a valuable opportunity for skill acquisition and practical experience.
The training sessions will be led by seasoned professionals in the digital industry. Participants who successfully complete the training will receive certificates and gain access to internship opportunities with various organizations.
