From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Czech Embassy in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Africado Foundation, has launched a strategic initiative aimed at curbing unemployment and addressing the digital literacy gap among Nigerian youths.
The partnership, which draws inspiration from the Czech Republic’s innovative education and technology models, seeks to empower young Nigerians with the skills needed to succeed in a technology-driven world.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday, Richardson Ojeka, the founder of Africado Foundation, highlighted the impact of the collaboration, emphasizing its focus on rural and underserved areas. “This partnership is about more than just teaching technology,” Ojeka said. “It’s about creating opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, especially where such opportunities are limited.”
Through its Tech Clubs initiative, the Africado Foundation has provided over 15 schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with resources for hands-on technology training. With plans to expand into more schools, the foundation is equipping students with critical problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills.
The Cool Czechia program, an annual initiative of the Czech Embassy, has been instrumental in shaping the vision of the partnership. The program selects young leaders from various countries to visit the Czech Republic for immersive learning experiences.
As the foundation scales its efforts, it continues to focus on equipping Nigerian youths with the tools to create meaningful change in their communities. “Our goal is to see every young Nigerian not only employable but also capable of creating jobs for others,” Ojeka concluded.
“The Czech Republic has shown us the importance of blending education with innovation,” Ojeka added. “We are replicating this model to empower Nigerian youths to address real-world challenges.”
Czech Ambassador Zdeněk Krejčí commended the Africado Foundation for its commitment to addressing unemployment through sustainable education models.
“Education and technology are key drivers of development,” Krejčí said. “Our partnership with Africado is an example of how international collaboration can tackle pressing challenges like unemployment and digital illiteracy.”