ORAM’s Digital Learning Center is resulting in jobs for LGBTIQ refugees in Nairobi

Pictured: Participants during the first training sessions at ORAM's Digital Learning Center.

A new report shares results from training during the first two months of ORAM’s Digital Learning Center for LGBTIQ refugees in Nairobi. The Center opened in October and is currently in a six-month pilot phase through March 2023. This early report shares some amazing successes, what we learned, and what is needed to keep the Center moving forward.

ORAM’s Digital Learning Center, managed by Team No Sleep, a refugee-led community-based organization, aims to support 100 LGBTIQ refugees in Nairobi over two years to access digital skills and online job opportunities. Typical online job opportunities include “transcription, translations, virtual assistant, graphic design, web design, [and] data entry” among others.

16 LGBTIQ refugees attended the first training sessions, using laptops, a projector, and other technical items to assist with the training. During the trainings, queer refugees created profiles on Upwork, which connects businesses with online talent globally. The training also covered writing proposals, bidding on jobs, building a portfolio, and creating a PayPal account to properly receive payment after securing a job.

Following the training, 78 percent of the participants shared that they are more confident in searching and applying for online job opportunities. And significantly, nearly half (44 percent) of trainees secured online jobs during the training period. ORAM is thrilled that the training has not only increased the confidence of LGBTIQ refugees but is already positively impacting the lives of the people we serve.

“What I like is that it opens the gate to financial independence,” one of the participants shared with us.

Another trainee mentioned they loved how the training was facilitated, “I liked how it was organized, lovely communication, and the facilitator was ready always to answer different question[s].”

We also learned valuable feedback from the training, which will guide the program as we move forward. One key takeaway is the need for more computers. During the first training sessions, there was a ratio of three trainees to one laptop. More computers would allow the trainees more time to learn digital skills and acquire online jobs.

ORAM is working to address the feedback provided during the initial pilot phase. We are looking to acquire more laptops and provide additional support for LGBTIQ refugees who find online jobs outside typical working hours.

Your donation to ORAM will help us provide more laptops for the Digital Learning Center and build on the success of LGBTIQ refugees securing online jobs. Donate today to support ORAM’s Digital Learning Center to train and empower queer refugees in Nairobi.

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