Youth Stories

#DOTYouth is a movement of  daring and passionate young people  all over the world who are creating opportunities and transforming their communities as entrepreneurs, social innovators, digital ambassadors, changemakers and community leaders.

We believe that  communities can be shaped by youth  who create sustainable initiatives inspired  by community needs.

 

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#DOTYouth supports you with the skills, knowledge and networks you need to create a business or initiative that has a positive impact in your own community – while also creating job opportunities for you and others.

Read about how #DOTYouth are creating opportunities and transforming their communities.

Dagim - Ethiopia

When we think of the impact cars have on the environment, we often consider the gas they guzzle and the emissions they create. But these modern forms of transportation also produce another environmental toll: old ...

Momen Al-Hamid - Jordan

Momen Al-Hamid is an ambitious and talented young man, who graduated from the University of Jordan. During his studies, Momen's passion for ornament led him to an entrepreneurial idea, which was to create a platform ...

Dagim - Ethiopia

When we think of the impact cars have on the environment, we often consider the gas they guzzle and the emissions they create. But these modern forms of transportation also produce another environmental toll: old ...

Kalkidan - Ethiopia

Kalkidan Lakew knows it’s not easy for women in Ethiopia to pursue entrepreneurship.

“Business in Ethiopia is dominated by men, especially business that requires risk-taking. Startup businesses are left to men ...

Dargie - Ethiopia

When Dargie Haile Molla was in the final year of his chemical engineering studies at Bahir Dar University of Technology, his teacher set a challenge for him and his classmates: create a business project that could ...

Tsege - Ethiopia

Women in Ethiopia face many barriers to becoming entrepreneurs. They often have less education than men, can face discrimination, and are less likely to own assets like a house or land, so it can be harder for them ...

Benyam - Ethiopia

Benyam Lalago knows it is all too easy for trash to pile up. Papers become clutter, old clothes are stashed in the back of closets, plastic refuse takes over space.

When Benyam looks at trash, he sees something ...

Bikyalech - Ethiopia

Like many Ethiopians, Bikyalech Ermias moved from a small village to the city in search of a better future. She received...

Salma Ghozlan - Jordan

Salma is a true inspiration for aspiring digital enthusiasts. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of a well-rounded Mobile Applications Development training programme.

With the ...

Rezek Abazid - Jordan

From volunteering in his community to delivering digital skills training for Syrian refugees to educating his peers about violence against women and girls, Rezek Abazid has leveraged his experiences with DOT Jordan ...

Mohammad Shehadat - Jordan

As a Syrian refugee, Mohammad Shehadat knows what it feels like to have his life put on hold. His online organization, Expatriate Student Affairs, has supported 5,000 young refugees in an effort to avoid that ...

Rahma Al-Quran - Jordan

Rahma Qur’an is one of the participants in the Impact Sourcing for Apprenticeship Opportunities project.

Rahma participated in the training because she was looking for practical experience.

By participating in ...

Momen Al-Hamid - Jordan

Momen Al-Hamid is an ambitious and talented young man, who graduated from the University of Jordan. During his studies, Momen's passion for ornament led him to an entrepreneurial idea, which was to create a platform ...

Lujain - Jordan

Lujain Asem Abusohyon’s life changed when she was 17-years-old. “I felt tired but I did not know why. My eyes were blurred. It was exams at school and I did not understand why I could not focus,” Lujain, now 20, ...

Banan - Jordan

Banan has always been passionate about coding and technology. She graduated from the University of Jordan with a degree in Computer and Information Systems and chose to explore opportunities aligned with the digital ...

Samer - Jordan

Samer, a student from Mo’tah university, Karak, utilized a digital pathway to bridge the social gap between students residing in the community and new out-of-area students. He is currently developing a network ...

Mohammad Shishani - Jordan

Mohammad Shishani was working as a civil engineer when he learned of DOT Jordan’s Social Innovation Journey program. He thought it was a good opportunity to develop digital skills, but he didn’t know it would also ...

Dana - Jordan

Dana Al Fayez has always loved fashion. She loves it more now that she sees how it can support and transform her community.

Dana’s journey as a social innovator began when she participated in a DOT Jordan ...

Jasmine - Jordan

When 24-year-old Jasmine Majeed graduated from university with a degree in chemical engineering, she was looking for a job, but also thinking about launching her own business. She had her own dreams and aspirations, ...

Samuel Mathenge - Kenya

Meet Samuel Mathenge, a Tech Enthusiast Who Equipped Over 600 Youth with Digital Skills in Nyeri County

Through Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Kenya’s community leadership program, under the Daring to Shift ...

Digital Jobs Program Impact Story - Kenya

Kenya’s Youth Are Leveraging Digital Skills and Thriving in the Gig Economy

Kenya is undoubtedly a youthful nation with approximately 80% of its population comprising youth, who unfortunately continue to grapple with the current high unemployment rate. As technology advances, the digital economy is thriving as it presents a wide range of opportunities for Kenyan youth. Unfortunately, the advancing technology poses threats such as the digital divide where many youth lag behind in accessing digital opportunities. This in turn increases inequalities and poverty levels, due to lack of access to digital skills, knowledge and tools. 

DOT Kenya in partnership with ...

Digital Business Program Impact - Kenya

Over 2,500 Young, Kenyan Business Owners Empowered with Digital Skills

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, as highlighted in this article, only ten percent of Small and Medium sized Enterprises make it to ten years. Some of the major challenges attributed to this include lack of knowledge and experience and lack of training and mentorship. DOT Kenya in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, through the Digital Business program under the Daring to Shift project, has supported 2,598 young and innovative business women and men to grow and sustain their businesses.

The program aimed to support young business owners who experienced challenges ...

Social Entrepreneurship Program Impact - Kenya

From ‘Just Ideas’ to Booming Social Enterprises: Creating Opportunities Under the Social Entrepreneurship Program in Kenya

Amidst the world's most pressing challenges, today, exists massive opportunities that ...

Community Leadership Program Impact - Kenya

Youth Taking Lead in Bridging the Digital Divide in Kenya Under the Community Leadership Program

Kenya is referred to as the Silicon Savannah. Despite this feat, Kenya’s women and youth still lag behind in ...

Kristina Mkara - Kenya

Meet Kristina, a Young, Aspiring Data Scientist and AI Expert

Kristina is one of our Digital Jobs Level 2 participants, who after successfully completing DOT's data analysis with Excel course, received a ...

Bruce McKenzie - Kenya

My Future Goal is to Become a Leading Data Scientist: A Conversation with Bruce 

What makes you tick in the daily pursuit of your goals? For Bruce McKenzie, an aspiring data scientist, it is data. He believes ...

Lynette Ndabi - Kenya

Meet Lynette Ndabi, an Enthusiastic DOT Youth Enhancing Digital Skills Among Youth in Kiambu County

As a digital literacy trainer working closely with Kenyan youth, I have witnessed both the progress made and the ...

Elly Owange - Kenya

Unlocking Potential and Bridging the Digital Divide —Elly's Story

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, possessing robust digital skills has become more than just a desirable trait, it is a necessity for ...

Alice Atieno Dambe - Kenya

A Young Community Leader Transforming Lives in Kisumu 

As a young girl growing up in a rural community, I saw firsthand how no or limited access to technology can hinder one’s potential —especially amongst girls ...

Rosaly Akinyi Copy - Kenya

More than half of Kenya’s population is below the age of 35, according to 2019’s Kenya National Bureau of Statistics data. Out of this population, 13.7 million people are aged between 18-34 and over five million ...

Martha Kamande - Kenya

Martha Kamande: A Community Leader Impacting Youth and Women in Mombasa

A study shows that every year Kenyan universities release approximately 50,000 graduates into the job market. In January 2021, Martha was ...

Lavender Odeny - Kenya

Growing up in one of Kenya’s biggest cities, Mombasa, Lavender made an observation that very few people practised agriculture. Those who tried, only cultivated what was barely enough for their families. This made ...

Rosaly Akinyi - Kenya

More than half of Kenya’s population is below the age of 35, according to 2019’s Kenya National Bureau of Statistics data. Out of this population, 13.7 million people are aged between 18-34 and over five million ...

Harun Mwadena - Kenya

“What is my purpose in life?” This was a question Harun Mwadena Muyesi struggled with when he finally completed the YALI online courses he was doing after his Secondary School education. He shared with us his story ...

Kelvin Gumwa - Kenya

“ If you are willing to be a self-learner you will develop yourself” ~ Lailah Gifty.

The willingness to self-learn has enabled Kelvin Gwuma to develop holistically and achieve his dreams. This story of how he ...

Henry - Kenya

As a young social innovator from rural Kenya, Henry Mkare knows first-hand the importance of community support.

Henry grew up in Bamba, a small village in the country’s southeast Kilifi County. When he dropped ...

Aisha and Ruth - Kenya

Studying ICT at the Technical University of Mombasa, Aisha Abdulkadir and Ruth Kaveke made up 50% of the program’s female population. At graduation, they decided to do something about that.

Aisha and Ruth are the ...

Ajra - Kenya

Even with a degree in information technology, Ajra Adullatif Mohamed had trouble finding a job when she graduated from university. She felt trapped; the job market was bad and finding work was difficult....

Douglas - Kenya

Douglas Mwangi struggled with the education system in Kenya. He grew up in the Mathare slums in Nairobi, the youngest of eight children in his family. For Douglas, quality schools were unaffordable, and affordable ...

Peter - Kenya

With KES 500 (about $4.80 USD), two acres of his family’s land, and a passion for agriculture, Peter Nyoike started Muthoni Agrobiz, a horticultural business in Murang’a County. Peter was happy to be making a living ...

Euniver - Kenya

When Euniver Njeri joined DOT Kenya in 2012 to offer entrepreneurship training to community members in Eldoret, she was known for two things: her outspoken nature and her soft spot for young entrepreneurs....

Hiba - Lebanon

Being able to communicate with others is crucially important, and is something Hiba Al-Shami has never taken for granted. Hiba was diagnosed with a hearing impairment when she was five-years-old. Today, she’s the ...

Malak - Lebanon

Empathy and kindness for one another and for ourselves has never been more important than in the midst of a global pandemic. Fostering these emotional intelligence skills are at the core of The Red Bee, an ...

Joanne - Lebanon

At Digital Opportunity Trust’s 2018 Youth Innovation Summit, Joanne Raad’s table attracted a crowd. The young Lebanese social innovator carefully spread za’atar — a blend of thyme, sesame, and other spices — onto ...

Peneloppe - Lebanon

Technology is great — until we decide we do not need it anymore and it ends up in the trash. These trashed phones, laptops, and tablets are called electronic waste, and it is a major issue worldwide. That includes ...

Mustafa - Lebanon

Mustafa Dasuki’s is passionate about education. “Education is the key to a better future, and should be given to everyone in the world. But education is not just about building a career, it’s about opening your...

Mariam - Lebanon

Mariam Haidar has always been passionate about education and technology, especially for girls. She grew up in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, where schools’ lack of resources made it difficult for children...

Marie Clarisse Mfurayabo - Rwanda

Marie Clarisse was driving to get fuel from a nearby gas/petrol station when she met a young girl, around 16 years of age roaming the petrol station, begging those passing by to help her with a coin quoting “ I am ...

Phabiola - Rwanda

#DOTYouth Street Team member Phabiola Mukundente was in secondary school when she recognized both a passion and a problem. Her passion was for photography—she loved snapping photos of her friends. The problem? A ...

Jean Claude Manirafasha - Rwanda

A 2015 graduate of the University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology, formerly known as Kigali Institute of Science and Technology( KIST ), Jean Claude Manirafasha started his enterprise, Bright Future ...

Benithe - Rwanda

In the time of COVID-19, we all know the importance of soap and hand-washing to prevent the spread of the virus. But for Benithe Isingizwe, a #DOTYouth Street Team member and social innovator from Rwanda, soap is ...

Rachel - Rwanda

Social innovators are resilient and creative in the face of challenge and change. Those qualities can certainly be used to describe Rachel Uwizerwa, a #DOTYouth from Rwanda who became a first-time community leader ...

Jeanne - Rwanda

Rwanda is continuing to go digital, and Jeanne Bovine Ishemaryayo plans to be there every step of the way. According to the government’s Vision 2020 plan, Rwanda will be a cashless economy by 2024. That is good news ...

Amina - Rwanda

Adolescent pregnancy is not only a health issue but also a human rights and development issue. Pregnancy undermines a girl’s ability to exercise her rights to education, health and autonomy. To help resolve this, ...

Israel - Rwanda

How Israel is creating a safe, efficient solution for electronic charging

After conducting research on using electricity in Rwanda, Israel Nishimwe found out that most community members face issues of short ...

Olive - Rwanda

Olive Tuyizeye started her journey as an entrepreneur with a small shop, but had never been able to generate enough income to sustain her family. It was a difficult way to make a living in rural western Rwanda, and ...

Laetitia - Rwanda

When Laetitia Umubyeyi first got involved with DOT Rwanda in 2016, she didn’t think of herself as a social entrepreneur. She didn’t even have a business idea. She had a background...

Francois - Rwanda

While many Rwandans value a university education above all else, 26-year-old Francois Nkurunziza knew many unemployed young people in Gatore Sector,...

Glory - Tanzania

Glory believes in the power of going all the way, that when you set your focus on one goal you need to give your all to see it to the end.

Before she became a social entrepreneur Glory was working on her other ...

Paulo - Tanzania

Paulo has made it his objective to live a full, meaningful life that will help elevate youth livelihoods, especially in his community.  It is with this drive that he continues forging an impactful career in building ...

Nang'idare - Tanzania

Nang’idare is a Maasai young social entrepreneur from Longido who founded Ewang’an Maasai Foundation to help young women and girls in her community gain economic independence through the tourism industry.  She ...

Shadrack - Tanzania

More than 75% of Tanzania’s population makes its livelihood from small-scale farming — it was only a matter of time until there was a mobile money application designed specifically for them.

That mobile platform ...

Gerald - Tanzania

Gerald Mukama remembers the first time he built a website: “I was so amazed that I could use computers to do what I wanted to do—change the colours, add the content and the animation. I am the type of guy who is ...

Julius - Tanzania

Accessing healthy food is not always easy when living in a large city like Dar es Salaam. You might know the location of markets and grocery stores, but traffic and a lack of time make it impossible to get to them. ...

Dorina - Tanzania

Dorina Mathayo’s friend was looking for a new home. Unsure of where to start, Dorina’s friend was told to seek the assistance of an agent who could show her houses in Dar es Salaam  – but she still couldn’t find a ...

Catherine - Tanzania

On Girls in ICT Day, Catherine participated in a live video chat with our partners at Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to discuss her social enterprise, Girls Awareness in IT-Profession, and the importance of empowering ...

Lulu - Tanzania

When Shaat Lulu King'ori participated in a DOT Tanzania social enterprise competition in 2016, her idea immediately stood out. She was enthusiastic and had a clear understanding of a need in her community and how ...

George - Tanzania

Growing up in Arusha, George saw the challenges of an education system with unequal opportunities between public and private schools. He studied at a public high school, where it was hard to access learning ...

Carolyn - Tanzania

Carolyn Kandusi embodies the proverb mtu ni watu: a person is people. No man is an island. We must support each other in order to succeed.

When she began considering the idea of how to create a community to ...

Nsubuga - Uganda

Nsubuga Kigongo was raised by his grandmother, and growing up he was taught to work as hard as possible in order to provide for his family. He held a variety of jobs as a young man, including selling milk and ...

Walter - Uganda

Walter Rubangakene never thought he would run his own business. Now he’s a successful agricultural entrepreneur who mentors others in launching their businesses.

Growing up in Gulu in northern Uganda, life was ...

Cedrick and Vivian - Uganda

Growing up in the Kasokoso slum in Kampala, brother and sister Cedrick and Vivian Karibwende were affected by the challenges they saw around them on a daily basis. Many families couldn’t afford to send their ...

Paul - Uganda

“Start where you are, with what you have.” This is advice Paul Tinkaman often gives to youth he meets in his work through his youth-led development agency, Tinkasoft International.

Paul knows the wisdom of this ...

Ali - Uganda

For young people to be involved in social and economic issues, they must first have the knowledge and information to contribute to the conversation.

That’s Ali Kaviri’s philosophy. Ali is a young Ugandan man who ...

Tairu - Uk

Inspiring Youth to better their communities

DOTYouth Tairu Kujabi founded YES Africa Foundation. With the help of a local board, Tairu set up YES Africa in memory of his father, a remarkable Gambian, Salifu ...

Walter - Uk

Walter Rubangakene never thought he would run his own business. Now he’s a successful agricultural entrepreneur who mentors others in launching their businesses.

Growing up in Gulu in northern Uganda, life was ...

Lulu - Uk

When Shaat Lulu King’ori participated in a DOT Tanzania social enterprise competition in 2016, her idea immediately stood out. She was enthusiastic and had a clear understanding of a need in her community and how ...

Kalkidan - Uk

Kalkidan Lakew knows it’s not easy for women in Ethiopia to pursue entrepreneurship.

“Business in Ethiopia is dominated by men, especially business that requires risk-taking. Startup businesses are left to men ...

Julius, Tanzania - Southafrica

Accessing healthy food is not always easy when living in a large city like Dar es Salaam. You might know the location of markets and grocery stores, but traffic and a lack of time makes it impossible to get to them. ...

Lina, Jordan - Southafrica

Have you ever heard of a mindscape? Social innovator Lina Halaseh describes it as a place where you can be innovative, and stimulate your mind and ideas. This was the idea that Lina had — and her recent social ...

Jeanne, Rwanda - Southafrica

Rwanda is continuing to go digital, and Jeanne Bovine Ishemaryayo plans to be there at every step of the way. According to the government’s Vision 2020 plan, Rwanda will be a cashless economy by 2024. That is good ...

Byron, South Africa - Southafrica

Byron Noble has spent the past decade pursuing his passion for music and the arts. With his new social enterprise, he wants to make it easier for other youth to do the same....

Are You?

New to DOT

  • Aged between 18 and 34?
  • Passionate about leading change in your community?
  • Creative, Innovative, Seeking a community of like-minded people to make a difference in the world?

Get involved!

DOT Alumni

  • Previously engaged and graduated from one or more of our DOT programs?
  • An emerging young leader catalyzing positive change in your community/ country, ready to share your expertise with peers and other young people?
  • Appreciative of the positive contribution DOT imparted you and your community and looking forward to paying-it-forward to other young people?
  • Looking forward to staying in touch with other DOT alumni through a formal DOT Alumni network?

Join the DOT Alumni Network!

Current #DOTYouth

  • Currently engaged with DOT in one of its countries of operation?
  • A Digital Ambassador/ Community Leader/ Social innovator delivering programs to communities near you?

Share your experience

DOT Stories

#DOTYouth are entrepreneurs, changemakers, innovators, interested in the world around them – passionate young people who want to make impactful change in their communities.

#DOTYouth is all about supporting you with the skills, knowledge and networks you need to create a business or initiative that has a positive impact in your own community – while also creating job opportunities for you and others.

Read about how some of these digital champions, community leaders, and social innovators are creating opportunities and transforming their communities.

See Stories