Young people have experience, passion, and insight rooted in the needs and challenges of their communities. DOT programs support youth to deepen their understanding of those needs and challenges, and provide them with the tools, knowledge, networks, and support to launch sustainable social initiatives that create positive change.
Youth develop entrepreneurial mindsets and communication, teamwork, decision-making, and digital skills. Their initiatives create a ripple effect of opportunities for themselves and others, leading to jobs, businesses, sustainable social and economic change, and transformed, resilient communities.
DOT Uganda is mobilizing the potential of young people and the power of technology in Uganda.
We’re doing this in three ways: by supporting young women and men to launch businesses and social enterprises and providing networks and mentors for their promising innovations; by equipping young people with the tools, skills and networks to bring innovation to agriculture; and by working with women and others who are marginalized to create opportunities for themselves and their communities.
Social Entrepreneurship
We work with young college and university graduates who are motivated to start a business or initiative that creates a livelihood for themselves while also having a positive impact in their community.
Supported by mentors, DOT’s young leaders develop their digital technology and business skills, while gaining the confidence, knowledge and tools to pursue entrepreneurship. They also offer digital skills and innovation training to their communities, fostering a grassroots network of young people creating local opportunities.
After participating in these programmes, young people are supported to launch their digital initiatives as sustainable social enterprises or businesses.
Innovation in Agriculture
We support young people who are passionate about agriculture to find innovative and sustainable solutions to problems in the agriculture industry.
DOT Uganda believes digital technology can accelerate innovation in agriculture. Our young leaders connect farmers to technology that improves their access to information and markets. We also encourage young people to enter careers in agriculture, and offer agribusiness training to support farmers.
As they design sustainable agriculture projects, DOT’s young leaders contribute to employment and food security in Uganda and have a positive social impact in their communities.
Women, Youth, and Marginalized Communities
We work with women, young people, and marginalized communities to create opportunities for social good, economic change, and community development that are locally defined and responsive to their needs.
DOT Uganda’s programs empower women to create opportunities for themselves and participate fully in the economic and social development of their communities. We facilitate ICT learning among those who have often been excluded from such opportunities, particularly in rural and poor communities, and we empower young people to create sustainable initiatives inspired by community needs.
These programmes provide communities with the tools, knowledge, and networks to transform their own communities and create opportunities.
Our leadership programs provide young people with the opportunity to develop skills, deep knowledge, networks, and investment in their ideas. Key to the success of all of DOT’s young leaders is:
Experience-based learning
DOT provides training to young people while they build their skills and abilities in and alongside local communities, business, institutions, and organizations.
Community impact
young people put their knowledge to work, and gain a deep understanding of their needs, challenges, and what they can contribute to their local community.
Networks
our young leaders are connected with peers, global networks, mentors, and networks of partners who all play a role in growing their ideas.
Investment
we believe in investing in young people as changemakers and innovators. DOT supports youth through stipends, job placements, seed funding, and incentives.