We are thrilled to share an exciting milestone for Let’s Help International (LHI) that not only marks an achievement for our organization but also promises to bring about significant positive change in the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. Under the auspices of OPM and UNHCR, LHI is honored to announce that our Digital Empowerment for Businesses led by Refugee Women project has been selected for seed funding and implementation in 2024 through a collaboration with UNHCR Innovation Service. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bridge the digital gender divide, as highlighted in the recent UNHCR Innovation Service article, “Championing Community-Driven Digital Gender Inclusion.”
Our project aims to establish a Digital Empowerment and Service Center in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Uganda. This multifunctional facility will provide comprehensive digital training, resources, and support to empower refugee women entrepreneurs with enhanced digital skills. Approximately 200 women are expected to benefit from this initiative, with a particular emphasis on leveraging smartphones for essential business tasks, fostering financial independence, and promoting social inclusion.
This achievement not only reflects the success of LHI but also exemplifies a collaborative endeavor that will contribute to the overall progress of the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, thanks to the invaluable support of OPM and UNHCR. To learn more about the innovative projects addressing the digital gender divide, we invite you to read the full article “Championing Community-Driven Digital Gender Inclusion” on the UNHCR Innovation Service website.
We believe in the power of collective impact and invite you to explore potential synergies or collaboration with your organization to enhance the reach and effectiveness of our digital empowerment initiative. Your insights and support would undoubtedly contribute to the success of this project and the broader goal of advancing digital gender equality.
LHI’s Participation and Commitment to Digital Inclusion
In furthering our commitment to digital inclusion, Let’s Help International is proud to announce our participation in the transformative boot camp organized by HERE I AM STUDIO from July 10-13, 2023. Two of our staff members attended this 4-day virtual event, aligning with our ongoing efforts to promote digital inclusion and empower refugee communities.
At LHI, we have always believed in the transformative power of technology to bridge divides and create opportunities for those who need them most.
Our recent journey at the UNHCR’s Digital Gender Inclusion and Innovation Bootcamp is a testament to our dedication, with LHI being selected among 12 successful organizations out of over 300 applicants. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment and passion in addressing the digital gender gap and fostering digital inclusion.
Closing the Digital Gender Divide: A Collective Effort
The UNHCR Innovation Service is dedicated to leveraging innovative tools and approaches to address pressing challenges faced by refugees, forcibly displaced individuals, and UNHCR colleagues. A crucial aspect of this service centers around closing the digital gender divide, recognizing the limited access to digital information, resources, communities, and opportunities for over 50 million displaced women and girls globally.
The intensive virtual training boot camp, which focused on equipping participants with the skills and tools needed to bridge the digital gender gap, extended an open invitation to refugee-led, women-led, community-based organizations. Following a meticulous evaluation process, 12 successful in-country organizations, including LHI, were selected to participate.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to the UNHCR Innovation Team for acknowledging our work, and we extend our thanks to all our partners, volunteers, and supporters who have played a crucial role in the success of our digital inclusion initiatives. Our dedication to expanding our efforts and making a positive impact on the lives of forcibly displaced individuals remains unwavering.