Over the past decade, companies across industries have digitised their operations and processes. Even now, businesses are employing artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline workflows and supply chains.
As a result, today’s job seekers require specialised skills to help them stand out from the crowd. While some colleges, universities and training providers have modified or expanded their curriculum to meet the growing demand for digital know-how, many educators struggle to provide the essential skills students need.
In an effort to prepare young tech enthusiasts for tomorrow’s fast-paced digital job market; DSTI and UNICEF have staged a Digital Public Goods Hackathon to bring together young people from different backgrounds to collaborate and build digital solutions in relation to improving online public services.
Here Are 10 Key Takeaways From The DPG Hackathon;
- Increase awareness of the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s (4IR) career options for students.
- Contribute to human capital development by targeting 700+ students.
- Improve critical thinking skills for young people venturing into the tech space.
- Fostering experiential learning among tech enthusiasts.
- Expanding the student’s worldview through extended discussions and Q&A sessions.
- Conducting Practical training for students with an introduction to 4AIR skills (data science, software development artificial intelligence, communications in tech, etc.)
- Foster a stronger bond between student DPG champions and DSTI by increasing the awareness of open-sourced environments in Sierra Leone.
- Collect data that helps DSTI understand aspects of local culture that stereotype gender roles and prevent young girls from embarking on a career in STEM.
- Encourage students to practicalize theories and engage in brainstorming sessions.
- Help students develop a critical intellect for creative problem-solving.
Digital transformation is already gradually coming into all spheres of life. Every day we feel the importance of remotely accessible and community-friendly public services, which are critical to providing seamless, convenient and transparent services to people, especially for the most vulnerable groups of population.” – David Manley, Lead Project Coordinator, DSTI.
What Are DPG’s?
Digital public goods are public goods in the form of open-source software, data sets, AI models, standards or content that are generally free and contribute to sustainable national and international digital development to tackle real-world challenges.
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