Minister Ahmed Hussen’s $4 Million Project to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Digital Economy

$14.2 Million Fund to Enhance Education for Women, Girls, and Migrants in Colombia

On February 3, The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced an ambitious $50 million funding initiative aimed at transforming educational outcomes and empowering marginalized communities. Among the key initiatives unveiled is the Outcome Fund for Educational Results (OFFER), which will benefit from $14.2 million in funding from 2024 to 2030. Spearheaded by Cowater International Inc., this project is set to significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of education in Colombia. It particularly focuses on supporting women, girls, migrants, and Indigenous populations residing in rural and conflict-affected regions.

In an exciting development, $4 million is being dedicated to the Bridging the Digital Gender Gap project, led by LearnSphere Canada Inc. This forward-thinking initiative, set to operate in Cameroon and Senegal until 2029, aims to revolutionize the digital economy by empowering women. With a keen focus on breaking down barriers to digital skills training and business management, this project will directly benefit 1,000 women entrepreneurs and potentially uplift 7,000 family members. This transformative effort is poised to create inclusive growth and innovation across communities.

In addition, the International Youth Internship Program, with $3.1 million in funding, will support the international education organization Éducation Internationale. This program will run through 2030 and is expected to provide valuable internships and development opportunities to young people globally. As part of Global Affairs Canada’s International Youth Internship Program (IYIP), funded by the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, a new initiative has been launched to support Canadian youth aged 18 to 30, especially those facing employment challenges. Led by Éducation Internationale, the project offers international internships, focusing on those enrolled in vocational training and adult education centres in Quebec, helping them gain professional experience in international development and overcome employment barriers.

A $24 million project in Senegal, led by the Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie, Desjardins International Development, and Crossroads International, will empower youth in the green economy. The initiative will provide climate-responsive education, technical and vocational training, and entrepreneurship support, focusing on marginalized young people, especially women, in the southeastern border regions. This aims to improve economic opportunities in areas affected by unemployment, low agricultural productivity, and climate change.

With a $5 million project in Tunisia, Institut Supérieur des Sciences Appliquées et de Technologie Pour une Économie Verte et Inclusive, will enhance environmental education by diversifying academic programs in partnership with Colleges and Institutes in Canada. The initiative aims to align programs with labour market needs and improve graduates' economic prospects, particularly in regions affected by climate change, through innovation and applied research.

Overall, these initiatives reflect Canada's commitment to global education, gender equality, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability.

Editor's Note:

The diverse range of initiatives announced by The Honourable Ahmed Hussen is set to address critical areas that are essential for uplifting marginalized communities worldwide. By targeting educational challenges faced by women, girls, migrants, and Indigenous populations in rural and conflict-affected regions, these projects aim to create a more equitable and inclusive education system. The digital gender gap project in Cameroon and Senegal is designed to break down barriers, empowering women to actively participate in the digital economy and foster entrepreneurial growth.

Furthermore, the International Youth Internship Program is a significant step towards providing valuable international experience and professional development opportunities for young people. By focusing on climate-responsive education, technical and vocational training, and entrepreneurship support, the projects in Senegal and Tunisia aim to equip marginalized youth, especially women, with the necessary skills to thrive in the green economy. These initiatives span education, digital empowerment, youth development, and sustainability, aiming to impact marginalized communities by fostering growth, innovation, and resilience.

Skoobuzz believes that Canada's strategic investments in these projects underscore its commitment to creating a brighter and more inclusive future for all.