Africa Digital Media Foundation’s Covid-19 response came hot on the heels of the government’s directive to shut down all learning institutions by 20th March 2020.
Together with ADMI, we jumped into action to devise an action plan that would be as least disruptive as possible to our students who come to receive world-class education as part of a thriving community.
We have since been transitioning to an online learning based institution. As an organization that believes strongly in the power of digital media, and the adaptability of African youth, this has been a true test of our resilience. But we know that we’re not alone. For the first time in everyone’s living history, the whole world is united in fighting a common cause, namely the Corona Virus pandemic.
As part of our Covid-19 response, we had to inform all students that there would be no physical classes for the foreseeable future. We then shared with them all the measures that we had put in place to allow them to continue with their learning experience, albeit at a distance.
This wasn’t new to ADMI students as they had, for several years used Google Classroom to share class materials, presentations, extra reading, and assignments. They also used this platform to interact with fellow classmates and faculty members.
We, therefore, took the opportunity to expand our use of this tool, and the full suite of Google functions, with Google Hangouts allowing for screen sharing and classroom-style presentations, amongst others.
One common issue in Kenya is the lack of reliable internet connection, which can be unpredictably disruptive to learn-at-home students as well as tutors trying their best to teach remotely.
This requires patience and flexibility. Our lecturers have been taking the time to understand individual students’ various predicaments, and helping those facing the biggest obstacles so they’re not left behind.
As a Foundation, we have also had to adapt. Our team members now work from home, and fully adhere to social distancing guidelines. We’re using technology more than usual to communicate, collaborate, and to share ideas.
ADMI and ADMF are in an extraordinary position, as is almost everyone else involved in education and non-profit work across the world. An immense amount of flexibility and adaptability is required, to constantly adjust to a rapidly changing environment.
Our priority remains meeting the most pressing needs of young African creatives, and we will adjust our Covid-19 response as necessary to continue in this pursuit.
What Difference does ADMF Make?
As a Foundation with a mission to get more young Africans involved and employed in the creative industries producing content for profit and for impact, we are always keen on expressing the impact we have. However, we always want to do so in a way that anyone can understand, from a technical youth employment specialist to a potential student.
There are many ways in which we measure our success, and the impact that we’re having on individuals, sections of the population, and — you better believe it — the world. Some of these ways are:
- The number of scholarships offered by ADMF
- The percentage of ADMI graduates securing employment after graduation
- The number of businesses created by ADMI graduates
- Proof of change in family members and the close community around ADMI students
- Media coverage of Africa creative technology work, and much more
To give you a taste of what we view as success, we’ve picked out a few for you:
- We have directly impacted more than 2,000 young men and women who have come to ADMI with raw talent and potential, and who are now earning an income from their talents, through the tools and platform given to them by the Institute.
- We have provided fully paid scholarships to eight young men and women, including refugees, and youth from low-income backgrounds, to pursue the studies of their choice
- Of the young men and women that come through ADMI, 93% are employed within six months after graduating.
- 62% are already employed at the time of graduation.
- 71% of these young people secured their first job through ADMI’s networks. This is compared to the average Kenyan graduate who takes five years to secure employment.
Dive into our impact and activity reports where you’ll learn more about our work. And if you ever find yourself asking ‘What difference does ADMF make?’ we think you’ll agree that these numbers serve as a convincing introduction.