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January 2, 2024

Call for Applications: Empowering Tech: Bridging Gender Gaps through Financial and Digital Literacy in Uganda

Reading Time: < 1 minute Empowering Tech: Bridging Gender Gaps through Financial and Digital Literacy in Uganda Luminate Data Science Initiative Africa in collaboration with The Royal Academy of Engineering through the Frontiers Champions initiative, invites applications for a transformative program aimed at empowering women in Uganda through financial and digital literacy. The objective of the project is  Livelihood and Small Business Innovations Training for small income tech developers. Key Benefits: Empowerment through Financial Literacy: Gain expertise that unlocks financial opportunities. Tech Proficiency: Acquire skills in Basic Computing for Adults. Entrepreneurial Excellence: Master Business Skills Training for innovative ventures. Mentorship and Networking: Connect with industry leaders and build a supportive network. Global Impact: Contribute to gender equality in the tech sector. Eligibility Criteria Open to women in Uganda interested in improving their financial and digital literacy skills. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to leveraging technology for positive social impact. Application Deadline February 19th 2023 11:59 PM EAT Apply Today

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December 28, 2023

Empowering Through Knowledge: A Trio of Transformative Trainings

Reading Time: 2 minutes In an era marked by rapid technological advancements in AI and Data Science, fostering inclusivity and addressing deep inequalities faced by individuals, especially women, is more crucial than ever. We’re thrilled to announce three upcoming training programs that aim to bridge gaps, empower communities, and pave the way for a more inclusive and knowledgeable society. 1. Financial Literacy (FL):  Financial Literacy (FL) encompasses the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to make informed and effective financial decisions. It involves a range of topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding financial products. FL equips individuals with the skills to assess risks, evaluate investment opportunities, and navigate the intricacies of diverse financial products. It empowers people to set realistic financial goals, create effective budgets, and adapt to changing economic landscapes. 2. Basic Computing for Adults (BCFA) As we immerse ourselves in the digital age, computer literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Basic Computing for Adults (BCFA) is your passport to the world of technology. Whether you’re taking your first steps into the digital realm or aiming to enhance your existing skills, BCFA is tailored to meet your needs. This training program goes beyond just understanding hardware and software; it empowers individuals to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Let’s embark on a journey to demystify technology and bridge the digital divide. Together, we’ll harness the power of knowledge in the digital era! 3. Business Skills Training (BST):  Success in the business world requires more than technical expertise—it demands a set of versatile skills that go beyond traditional boundaries. Enter Business Skills Training (BST). This program is a comprehensive guide to communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship, with a special focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by women in technology. BST is not just about individual success; it’s about fostering a community of empowered professionals who contribute to a thriving business ecosystem. Join us in this journey toward inclusive success, where business skills become the catalysts for positive change. In conclusion, these three upcoming trainings—Financial Literacy (FL), Basic Computing for Adults (BCFA), and Business Skills Training (BST)—are not just educational endeavors; they are transformative experiences designed to empower individuals, bridge gaps, and contribute to a more inclusive and knowledgeable society. As we embrace these opportunities for growth and learning, we move one step closer to a future where everyone has the tools they need to succeed. Let’s build a world empowered by knowledge, skills, and inclusivity!     

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December 26, 2023

Luminate’s Emmanuel Isabirye Awarded Prestigious UK Engineering Grant for Empowering Women in Tech

Reading Time: 2 minutes Our Lead Data Scientist Emmanuel Isabirye receives top UK Engineering Award Our community-focused and impact-driven Data Scientist, Emmanuel Isabirye, receives the prestigious Frontiers Champions Award from the Royal Academy of Engineering. Mukono, 15th December 2023  We’re thrilled to celebrate Emmanuel Isabirye, our Lead Data Scientist, who has been awarded the Empowering Tech Grant by the esteemed Royal Academy of Engineering. This recognition highlights Emmanuel’s dedication to advancing gender equality through his project “Empowering Tech: Bridging Gender Gaps through Financial and Digital Literacy in Uganda.” Isabirye’s project received generous support from The Royal Academy of Engineering and leveraging the Frontiers Champions initiative inform of  funding, as a testament to the Academy’s global commitment to achieving gender equality outlined in the UK Government’s Gender Equality in Research and Innovation Policy and Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5). The project aims to empower women in Uganda by addressing a crucial gap in their information technology education, specifically focusing on basic financial and business skills. Despite their contributions to innovative technologies, women face barriers hindering their full potential. Isabirye’s proposal integrates Financial Literacy (FL), Basic Computing for Adults (BCFA), and Business Skills Training (BST) to bridge this gap, fostering gender equity and inclusivity in the tech sector. Speaking about the significance of the award, Isabirye  “This award  highlights the collective opportunity which we have towards creating a more inclusive and diverse digital and financial  landscape for all, leaving no one behind. We are grateful to God  for the support of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Luminate Data Science Initiative Africa in realizing our data driven vision.” The project’s commitment to measuring outcomes through a gender lens, reporting to Frontiers Champions, and actively monitoring and evaluating the project’s lifecycle underscores its dedication to accountability and effectiveness in promoting gender equality and empowerment. Isabirye’s role as a Frontier Champion adds a unique dimension to the project, aligning it with the broader mission of advancing the frontiers of engineering for societal benefit. Emmanuel’s achievement embodies Luminate’s mission to drive African development through data science. We’re deeply proud of his commitment to using data-driven insights to create greater equity and opportunity for women across Uganda. Emmanuel’s work and this prestigious award inspire us all at Luminate. Let’s congratulate him and support this transformative project to empower women and advance progress in our communities.

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February 7, 2022
  • By: Martin Kubona / Our News / 0 Comments

Introducing the Luminate Fellowship Program

Reading Time: < 1 minute Luminate Data Science Initiative Africa is excited to announce the launch of our upcoming fellowship program, aimed at empowering the next generation of Data Science Leaders across Africa. With a focus on strong Leadership Skills, the program shall enhance the participants skills in African Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, data analysis, visualization, and machine learning among others. Our fellowship program provides a unique opportunity for individuals to develop their data science expertise and become change-makers on the African continent in their respective fields. The Luminate Fellowship Program will offer fellows a chance to gain hands-on experience working on real-world data science projects with our industry partners, access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, and mentorship from experienced data science professionals. Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in exclusive events, workshops, trips  and seminars to further enhance their knowledge and skills. Through this program, we aim to address the current shortage of skilled data scientists across the continent and support the growth of data-driven innovation in Africa. By investing in the development of data science talent, we believe we can unlock the potential for data-driven solutions to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities. The Luminate Fellowship Program is open to individuals with a passion for data science and a desire to make a positive impact in Africa. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those from traditionally underrepresented groups. Applications for the Luminate Fellowship Program will open soon, so stay tuned for more information on how to apply and join us in empowering Africa’s data science leaders. Together, we can create a brighter, data-driven future for Africa.

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February 7, 2022
  • By: Martin Kubona / Our News / 0 Comments

Free Online Courses to boost Digital Literacy & Data Skills

Reading Time: 1 minute Luminate Data Science Initiative Africa seeks to be a leading organization in promoting data science and technology in Africa, and has set to launch a series of free online courses aimed at improving digital literacy and data skills on its platform, learn.luminatedatascience.org. The courses cover a wide range of topics, from basic digital literacy to advanced data science techniques and beyond. Some of the courses that have already been uploaded include “Information Security Fundamentals” and “Introduction to Python Programming”. “We’re excited to offer these FREE courses to our community members and the wider public,” says Emmanuel Isabirye, Co-founder of Luminate Data Science Initiative Africa. “We believe that digital literacy and data skills are essential for success in today’s world, and we want to make sure that everyone has access to quality education in these areas.” “We believe that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for Africa, and we’re proud to be a part of that.” The courses are designed to be engaging, practical, and accessible to learners of all levels. They are taught by experienced instructors who are experts in their fields and have a passion for teaching. “We want our learners to not only gain new skills but also enjoy the learning process,” says Kubona Martin, Co-founder and Director of Learning at Luminate Data Science Initiative Africa. “We believe that learning should be fun and inspiring, and our courses reflect that.” The courses are available on learn.luminatedatascience.org with most starting in May. Learners can sign up for individual courses or enroll in a comprehensive program to earn a certificate in digital literacy courses such Introduction to Information Technology, Computing, Programming or data science among others. “We encourage everyone, from beginners to experts, to check out our courses and join our community of learners,” says Emmanuel Isabirye.

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