Empowering the next generation of digital leaders

In a world increasingly driven by technology, digital literacy has become a vital skill for education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Yet, for many adolescent girls in Nigeria, accessing the digital world remains a challenge due to deep-rooted gender disparities and limited opportunities. Recognizing this gap, AREAi’s Basic Digital Literacy for Learning program takes a bold step towards bridging the divide.

Through practical, hands-on training and a forward-thinking curriculum, the program is preparing a generation of young women to thrive in a connected world and transform their communities in the process.

Introduction to the Basic Digital Literacy for Learning program

AREAi’s Basic Digital Literacy for Learning program is a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering adolescent schoolgirls aged 13 to 18 with essential digital skills. Rooted in Nigeria’s National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) and the Internet Skills Scale, the program delivers a globally adaptable knowledge framework with contextually relevant learning content to Nigerian communities. 

Over 13 weeks and through 13 distinctive learning sessions, participants are introduced to a comprehensive 5-module curriculum that covers the core components of digital literacy: operational skills, Information Navigation, Social Skills, Creative Skills, and Mobile Technical Skills. By addressing these areas, the program ensures girls are equipped to navigate the digital world effectively and confidently, unlocking opportunities for learning, creativity, and future careers.

Building a globally adaptable digital curriculum

AREAi believes that building digital skills isn’t just about navigating technology—it’s about unlocking potential and creating opportunities. That’s exactly what the Basic Digital Literacy for Learning program sets out to achieve. Over 13 weeks, girls participating in this program are immersed in hands-on, practical learning experiences designed to build their technical proficiency and inspire confidence in using technology for education and entrepreneurship.

The program covers a wide range of essential digital skills, from navigating apps and exploring feature phone interfaces to mastering mobile security, privacy settings, and even troubleshooting. Participants will also gain valuable knowledge in areas like using Microsoft Office tools, downloading applications, and browsing the internet safely. The sessions are interactive, delving into how technology can be used for entertainment, media, business, and more—all while exploring the fascinating evolution of mobile technology over time.

Beyond the learning sessions, the program incorporates baseline and endline assessments to measure progress and spark innovative thinking. The ultimate goal? To empower these girls with the tools and confidence to embrace technology as a gateway to educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. 

Transforming education and opportunities for adolescent girls

When asking AREAi why they wanted to focus on adolescent girls, their response was clear. The digital gap between genders is undeniable, and it starts young. Girls are 1.8 times less likely than boys to own a smartphone, and women are 25% less likely to know how to use technology for even basic tasks. While boys and girls often begin with similar levels of digital literacy, as they move through education, girls are more likely to fall behind—missing out on the chance to develop advanced digital skills.

This inequality has real-world consequences. Over 90% of jobs globally already require some level of digital proficiency, and by 2030, more than half of the world’s youth won’t have the basic skills needed to participate in the workforce. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, 230 million jobs will demand digital expertise. In Nigeria, many girls risk being excluded from these opportunities without access to the training and tools necessary to thrive.

As online learning becomes a cornerstone of education and digital technologies weave into every facet of daily life, the growing digital skills gap is leaving the most marginalized populations—especially women and adolescent girls—at a significant disadvantage. This gap transcends borders and income levels but is most pronounced among adolescent girls and young women who are older, less educated, economically disadvantaged, or living in rural areas of developing countries.

The implications of this digital divide are profound, threatening to undermine decades of progress towards gender parity. To create a truly equitable digital society, it’s essential to ensure equitable access to technology, basic digital training, and online safety for girls and young women. Bridging this gap is about more than just inclusion—it’s about equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age, preparing them for the workforce of the future, and opening doors to economic opportunities. Closing the digital skills gap isn’t just an act of empowerment; it’s an investment in a more equitable and innovative world. 

Bridging the gender gap in digital skills

The benefits of this program are both immediate and far-reaching. These girls will gain practical skills, such as effectively using computers, smartphones, and tablets, safely navigating the internet, and mastering digital tools like email, messaging apps, and social media. They’ll also learn how to create digital content, from documents and presentations to simple multimedia projects. These hands-on experiences will not only enhance their digital literacy but also boost their confidence in using technology as a powerful tool.

On an educational level, the program will enable the girls to find and utilize online learning resources, engage with educational platforms, and critically evaluate information. More importantly, they’ll be trained to recognize digital risks and protect themselves online. This foundational knowledge in digital safety will foster a secure and empowering online experience, while also equipping them to access vital health-related information, including resources on sexual and reproductive health—contributing to better outcomes for themselves and their families.

Looking ahead, the program will expose participants to technology-related career paths, inspire entrepreneurial thinking, and demonstrate how digital tools can be used for business innovation. By bridging the digital gender gap, this program doesn’t just teach skills—it opens doors, fostering a generation of digitally empowered girls who are ready to seize opportunities in an increasingly connected world.

The Basic Digital Literacy for Learning program is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering girls and young women with the essential skills to thrive in today’s digital age. Through this program, participants gain the confidence and competencies needed to navigate digital tools and platforms effectively. By fostering their ability to leverage technology for education, communication, and personal development, the program paves the way for meaningful opportunities—whether in further education, the workforce, or entrepreneurial endeavors—ensuring they are prepared to actively participate and succeed in the evolving digital economy.

Creating a lasting impact on communities

The Basic Digital Literacy for Learning program has the potential to create a transformative ripple effect within communities. By equipping girls with the skills to actively participate in the digital economy, it empowers them to become contributors to local development and advocates for digital equity. Over time, this program will help dismantle barriers such as cultural norms, forced early marriages, and the burden of household labor that often exclude girls from education and opportunity. This shift not only uplifts individual lives but also unlocks untapped potential for entire communities, fostering economic growth, innovation, and a more equitable future for all.