September 28th is the International Day of Universal Access to Information. Celebrations like this are meant to center the stories of all people, but especially meaningful for rural East African youth. It’s a chance to reflect on how young people have overcome obstacles to uplift not only their lives but those of their families and communities.   

There’s a direct correlation between a lack of information and how bright (or dim) a young person’s future can turn out to be. This is especially true in the rural communities like those we serve in East Africa. For example, ninety-five percent of young workers are working in low-paying, informal jobs (East Africa – International Labor Organization, 2022); it’s a result of children not being properly equipped with the information and knowledge they need early in life.

But universal access to all information – especially digital, leadership, and application skill development – is central to our mission at Asante Africa Foundation. On this day, we’re excited to honor stories that highlight the expansion of tech access and information for rural East African youth.

Gaining access to tech through a community learning group

Asante Africa’s Youth Livelihood Program is youth-led, where students learn foundational entrepreneurship skills. Not only do they learn how to develop and pitch their business ideas, they also learn how to develop business plans and secure loans, setting themselves up for long-term success.

I was with the YLP that Amon first encountered Asante Africa. Living in rural Uganda, he joined one of Asante Africa’s Community Learning Groups (CLG), planting the seeds of digital entrepreneurship. 

Previously a school dropout, he had a keen interest in computers, and that interest was nurtured in our Digital Employability and Entrepreneurship Program (DEEP – a YLP initiative), where eventually he was able to master a wide range of digital marketing and leadership skills. 

Perhaps most importantly, he plans to establish an internet service center to provide his community with access to vital digital resources, thereby amplifying the universal access to information impact.   

Gamified content offers development skill-building  

Rural youth are being empowered for tomorrow’s world with access to resources like open-source software, which delivers a competency-based curriculum. It’s a solution built to bridge the digital divide by integrating tech, pedagogy, and coding platforms for 21st-century skill development.

Access to information is crucial for the future of today’s youth

Information is like light. Without it, it’s almost impossible to know what’s going on around you, or  what’s possible in life. 

In today’s increasingly digitized, complex and politically charged world, it’s vital for our youth to have access to the right information that not only allows them to succeed, but also empowers them to stand up for their rights and those of their community. Free, public access to information is central to promoting education, economic opportunities, peace and sustainability.     

From the Youth Livelihood Program, to Accelerated Learning and the merit-based and need-based scholarships we provide, we’re committed year after year to providing informational access to rural East African youth. We encourage you to participate in IDUAI by becoming active in social media campaigns, attending a webinar or helping to spread awareness for everyone’s right to access information, especially as it relates to educational opportunities and digital learning. 

In fact, you can help us celebrate this IDUAI by empowering rural East African youth with a donation to Asante Africa. Your support helps us provide free access to the kind of information East African youth need, and directly impacts stories like Amon’s and Fahima’s!  

And don’t forget to follow Asante Africa on YouTube to keep up with the latest news!

WRITTEN BY: Christopher Bass