NEW ONLINE LEARNING CONTENT ON DIGITAL SOFT SKILLS IN SENEGAL
How can young professionals in Senegal make the most of digital tools for their careers? The GIZ-funded project Réussir au Sénégal has launched two new online learning modules on DEFARU to help youth apply digital solutions effectively in their professional lives.
Now in its second phase, the project builds on more than six years of success in improving youth employment in Senegal. In addition to training, job placement, and entrepreneurship support, Réussir au Sénégal has placed a strong focus on digital solutions to reach and empower its target group.
One of GFA’s flagship initiatives in this context is the online learning platform DEFARU, which means "improve yourself" in Wolof. The platform offers free online modules on soft skills and entrepreneurship, specifically designed for Senegalese youth. The two latest modules focus on digital basics and digital communication. Instead of teaching technical skills like Excel or PowerPoint - topics widely covered online - these modules emphasize when and why digital tools are useful in a professional setting.
To make the learning experience engaging and relatable, the modules introduce four personas, each reflecting real-life circumstances that young professionals may face. These personas navigate everyday scenarios that highlight the importance of digital soft skills in the workplace.
The modules are designed for youth who already use digital devices and applications like social media and messaging services but lack experience in leveraging them for professional purposes. This approach aligns with insights gained from focus group discussions with DEFARU users and findings from a recent GFA study conducted on behalf of GIZ.
DEFARU is hosted by GFA’s local partner Volkeno, which led a comprehensive communication campaign to promote the launch - both online via social media and offline through posters in key locations across Senegalese cities.
> Read more about the project.
> Visit the DEFARU platform: www.defaru.sn
