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Growing the Internet 20 August 2024

Amplifying Impact: Empowering the Next Generation of Computer Networkers

When Innocent Sibanda started developing an interest in network security, he discovered that many networks—even those in schools—lack proper security. 

“Due to security concerns, some schools don’t let their students access the Internet,” he said. “I became determined to change this.”

In 2022, to empower a new generation of technicians, we unveiled a six-week, hands-on computer networking course in Zimbabwe, Mali, Bolivia, Morocco, and Pakistan. That same year, Sibanda enrolled in the course in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

“When I learned there was no cost, I jumped in with both feet!” he said. 

Two men in a networking class

Developing Skills and Changing Lives

Computer networking skills are in high demand worldwide, and cultivating them opens doors to employment.  

Most participants find employment within six months of completing our course. When we provided learners in Kenya with internships and worked with local partners to find opportunities, the employment rate among trainees grew to 80 percent. 

To scale up impact, meet the soaring demand for this course, and empower even more people to change their lives for the better, we decided to train additional trainers to deliver the course. 

After finishing his networking course, Sibanda also opted to complete the trainer program and soon realized that networks are valuable tools for developing communities. 

“My own rural hometown doesn’t have a good network, especially when it comes to security,” he said. “I wanted to empower others in my community so they could not only get online but also be safe online.”

A group of women in a networking class

Putting Knowledge to Action

After successfully becoming a trainer, Sibanda had an opportunity to make a difference at a local primary school on the Solusi University campus.

With a group of trainees composed of university students and community members, Sibanda helped install a point-to-point network connecting the primary school and the university, allowing students and teachers to access educational resources online. 

“Seeing how engaged the trainees were made me so proud,” he said. “They were almost supervising themselves! And everything came out so perfectly.”

Not only did the team help the school by installing the equipment needed to support a stable Internet connection, but it was also a valuable learning experience for all those involved. 

A group of people sitting with computers

Looking to the Future

Our training-the-trainers model has paved the way for exponential growth in impact.

In Zimbabwe alone, 78 trainees have gone on to become networking course trainers. In 2022 and 2023, they trained 1,035 and 1,375 participants, respectively, empowering them with the skills to find employment opportunities and make a difference in their communities. In 2024, we aim to train an additional 2,000 participants. 

This model doesn’t just generate numbers—it also fosters confidence, responsibility, and pride. 

Sibanda recalled a moment a few weeks ago when Tariro, a former trainee, messaged him to say she’d been hired as an assistant network administrator for a Namibian company. 

“She was so happy and confident, knowing that she had the skills—thanks to our course—to do an excellent job,” he said. 

Two women in green jackets stand in front of computers

As our training expands, more students worldwide are eager to participate. In Nepal, after assisting the community in building the highest community network in the world, we returned to train a group of locals to manage technical support and essential troubleshooting functions, ensuring sustainable growth and self-reliance.  

Additionally, five educational institutions in Zimbabwe have committed to delivering our computer networking training, a development that promises even greater reach over time. We will soon launch trainings for more trainers in Columbia, India, Mali, and Cabo Verde. 

So many others around the globe are waiting to learn networking skills that promote employment, bring connectivity to communities, and make the Internet safer for everyone.

Disclaimer: Viewpoints expressed in this post are those of the author and may or may not reflect official Internet Society positions.

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