On June 5, 2026, 150 young people graduated from the second phase of the Advanced Digital Skills Training Programme, marking another important milestone in efforts to equip Ethiopian youth with the skills needed to access employment, freelancing, and entrepreneurship opportunities in the digital economy.
Across Ethiopia, many young people continue to face challenges in securing employment. Limited access to quality education, and skills development opportunities, often hinders their successful transition into adulthood and economic independence. As digital technologies continue to transform the world of work, the need for practical and market-relevant skills has become increasingly important.
Expanding access to digital skills
To help address this gap, SOS Children's Villages in Ethiopia, in partnership with Learnio Academy, continues to invest in digital skills development as part of its broader youth empowerment efforts. The Advanced Digital Skills Training Programme was designed to equip young people with practical competencies that respond to emerging labour market demands while creating pathways to both employment and self-employment. Building on the success of the programme's first phase, which graduated 64 young people in 2025, before the second phase opened for registration later that year. Interest in the programme was significant, with 1,142 young people from Hawassa, Harrar, Jimma, and Mekelle applying to participate. A rigorous pre-training assessment was conducted to ensure participants were well-prepared and aligned with the programme’s requirements, after which selected candidates proceeded to training in Graphic Design and Digital Marketing.
Building practical skills
The programme followed a comprehensive learning journey that combined technical training with career preparation and continued support. Participants first completed preparatory activities spanning two months, designed to strengthen their readiness for the courses before undertaking three months of intensive digital skills training. They then received dedicated freelancing skills training for another one month, aimed at helping them navigate opportunities in the growing global digital marketplace. Following graduation, participants will continue to benefit from four months of online mentoring focused on portfolio development, career guidance, and professional growth.
Young people enrolled in the Graphic Design track received hands-on training using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, two industry-standard design applications widely used across the creative sector.
Participants in the Digital Marketing track gained practical experience in social media management, content creation, audience engagement, and digital advertising. The training prepared them to support businesses in expanding their digital presence while also opening opportunities to pursue freelance and employment opportunities in local and international markets.
Through dedication and hard work, 150 participants successfully completed the programme and earned certification. Among the graduates, 71 specialized in Graphic Design while 79 completed the Digital Marketing course.
The graduates represented programme locations across four cities. Hawassa recorded the highest number of graduates with 58, followed by Mekelle with 43 and Harar with 33. In Jimma, 16 participants graduated from the Digital Marketing programme. While both training streams were offered in Hawassa, Harar, and Mekelle.
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Graduation and reflections
The graduation ceremonies brought together graduates, mentors, facilitators, national and local programme staff, representatives from Learnio Academy, and officials from various government institutions. The event served as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the young people and recognize the commitment they demonstrated throughout the programme.
During the ceremonies, several of the highest-performing graduates reflected on their experiences and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the training. They highlighted the practical and hands-on nature of the courses, the quality of mentorship they received, and the confidence they gained through developing skills that can be directly applied in the labour market. Many shared their aspirations to continue building on their newly acquired knowledge and use it to improve their livelihoods and future prospects.
Government representatives from relevant local government offices working in youth, social, and community development congratulated the graduates and emphasized the growing importance of digital skills in an increasingly technology-driven economy. They noted that initiatives such as this play a vital role in preparing young people for the future of work while contributing to local development and economic growth.
Representatives from Learnio Academy also celebrated the continued growth of the programme and its expansion into a second successful year. They encouraged graduates to view the certification as a foundation for lifelong learning and to continue adapting, growing, and exploring new opportunities in the digital space.
Impact of the programme
The second phase of the programme represents a significant achievement not only in terms of participation but also in overall impact. The number of graduates increased from 64 in the first phase to 150 in the second phase, bringing the total number of young people trained through the initiative to 214. This exceeds the programme's original target of supporting 200 young people from underserved backgrounds to successfully transition into employment or self-employment.
Beyond training, the programme has also contributed to improving digital access for children, young people, families, and surrounding communities. Across both phases, 1,312 individuals have gained access to digital devices, internet connectivity, and related opportunities, surpassing the programme's initial target and expanding access to the digital world for many who previously lacked such resources.
Most importantly, the programme's impact is already being reflected in the lives of its graduates. To date, 57 graduates have reported earning income through employment, freelancing, or self-employment activities, generating an average monthly income of approximately USD 150. These early successes demonstrate the potential of digital skills training to create tangible economic opportunities and support young people in building sustainable livelihoods.
As graduates continue their mentoring journey and begin applying their skills in professional settings, the programme remains a powerful example of how targeted investments in youth development can unlock opportunity, strengthen economic inclusion, and empower young people to shape their own futures in an increasingly digital world.
Learn more about the journey of a graduate from the first phase of the programme here: Hailu's Story
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