Craft Silicon limited, a 360 degree financial solution provider in banking software, micro finance software, mobile and switch solution in the global market through its foundation has expanded its free digital literacy program to Uganda as part of its growth strategy in the East African region.

The program which target the marginalized and less fortunate communities has already overseen over 9,400 trainees undergo a 3 months intense training in information technology and internet services through use of solar powered mobile computer bus.
Addressing over 100 new graduands at the firm’s premises Craft Silicon foundation chief executive officer, Priya Budhabhatti said the program focus more on the youth, women and children from low income communities to empower them with digital knowledge skills to enhance their competitiveness in the job market.

“After the initial 3 months the trainees undergo a six months advanced training in software development, Web design, graphics design, business and entrepreneurship to boost their skills to make more relevant in the job market”, the CEO added.

Budhabhatti said the program has enabled over 65 percent of the students being able to secure gainful employment and about 20 percent being able to start small micro enterprises.

The Ugandan Ambassador to Kenya Phibby Awere said his country was grappling with the challenge of modernisation and the use of information and communication technology had been identified as a key tool to unlock modernisation. He said the wide digital gap in the country was the greatest impediment to realization of a contemporary Uganda and urged digital solution providers to address these challenges.

Craft Silicon boss Kamal Budhabhatti said the country and Africa at large still experiences low and slow absorption of technology particularly the low income earners and the marginalized areas and urged stakeholders in the sector to provide last mile access to technology.

He said the program through the intervention of mobile computer buses, digital literacy and access to information technology in areas and communities poorly served with ICT infrastructure has increased tenth fold and there still more opportunities for growth.

“We plan to invest more in solar powered computer buses as part of our empowerment program for the youth, women, children and communities with digital knowledge and services. We believe this initiative will promote development and enable the youth to make informed decisions while keeping off social vices in the society” he urged.