YAI WINS IEEE's CONNECTING THE UNCONNECTED AWARD...
YOUTH ACTION INTERNATIONAL WINS IEEE's CONNECTING THE UNCONNECTED AWARD...
Dr. Kimmie Weeks and Youth Action International (YAI) have been announced winners of the 2023 IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Challenge Award for Best Overall Concept to bring connectivity to the world’s poorest people. The award was announced at the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 4, 2023.
The IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Challenge, a global competition, seeks innovative solutions to address the digital divide. Youth Action International’s concept is to bridge the digital divide by establishing computer labs at high schools in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
YAI’s project, which is called the Transcend Initiative directly addresses challenges faced by unconnected communities, where access to digital education, online educational resources and participation in the digital economy are limited. The organization is launching the first pilot project at two schools in Liberia and Sierra Leone with long term plans to put a computer lab in every qualifying high school in Liberia and Sierra Leone within five years.
Award organizers explained that the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Challenge “looks for solutions that go beyond connectivity to address societal needs like education and livelihoods.” YAI is sharing the prize money with three other organization working to make an impact in unconnected and under-connected communities.
Dr. Weeks expressed gratitude for the awards and stated that it was a validation of YAI’s concept. "Africa has the opportunity to elevate its status, create new jobs and lift million out of poverty simply by investing in bringing forward a digital revolution, said Dr. Weeks. He lamented that according to official United Nations estimates, less than 5% of Liberian high school students are computer literate. “In the current digital age, we can and must make the investments to ensure that all of our young people can graduate from high school with some level of computer proficiency.”
The IEEE Future Networks Initiative acknowledges the crucial role played by local providers and innovators in reducing costs and overcoming cultural and technological barriers. Through initiatives like the Transcend Project, Youth Action International and Kimmie Weeks are making strides in creating sustainable outcomes that contribute to reducing the digital divide.
