Future_of_work_in_Africa_Report_Final

Fall 2015 Changemakers Course Final Report
THE FUTURE OF WORK IN AFRICA:
INNOVATIONS IN YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

REPORT INTRODUCTION
Dear Reader,
This report explores the outcomes of “The Future of Work in Africa: Innovations for Youth Employment”, a six-week online professional
development course implemented in partnership between Ashoka and the MasterCard Foundation through their joint Future Forward
initiative. The course was produced by a ‘team of teams’, including staff from the two implementing organizations, as well as platform
partner TechChange.org.
Out of over 1,200 applicants received, 85 participants were enrolled into the course, representing a diverse mix of public and private sector
professionals from 35 different countries. Through course surveys and interviews, course participants reported making new critical connections,
acquiring new skills for supporting and advancing social innovation in youth employment, and building strong new understanding of the trends
and pressing youth issues that cut across the continent. The quantitative and qualitative data captured by the course team supports the impact
assessment, with extremely high levels of engagement by participants. Along with looking at the most important impact aspects of the course’s
results, the report will also highlight areas for improvement and planned changes for the next version of the course.
The Ashoka course experience demonstrated we have discovered a new and meaningful pathway for Pan African network building around youth
development, engaging a diverse cross section of program managers, policy makers, corporate staff, leaders of youth serving organizations and
more to share ideas and challenges. The report closes with the plans for a Future Forward course in 2016, and we look forward to continued
engagement and learning on the topic of youth employment in Africa.
Sincerely,
The Ashoka Course Team
02

REPORT SECTIONS
01/ Course Overview
02/ Impact Assessment
03/ 2016 Timeline Planning
a) Course Details
b) Learning Modules
c) Guest Experts
d) Applicants
e) Participant Details
f ) Participant Forum
g) Responses
a) Impact Summary
b) Engagement Metrics
c) Participant Impact Statements
d) Other Impact
a) Areas for Improvement
b) 2016 Timeline
03

COURSE DETAILS
Ashoka’s Future Forward Course Team produced an online professional development course comprised of a select group of
program managers, policy makers, fellows and innovators chosen based on their background and work in the sector to discuss
both the obstacles and challenges of African Youth employment with a focus on innovative solutions and promising new initiatives.
October 26, 2015 - December 04, 2015
(6 weeks)
Six unique self-paced, time flexible learning
modules with weekly live guest sessions with
industry experts
83 enrolled participants, representing 35
different countries,from both public and
private sectors
Dynamic online learning environment utilized,
catalyzing collaboration between social and
corporate sectors (and Ashoka Fellows)
Facilitated by two Future Forward staff members
with youth development backgrounds
End-of-course certification for participants
completing course
“THE FUTURE OF WORK IN AFRICA: INNOVATIONS IN YOUTH EMPLOYMENT”
05

LEARNING MODULES
MODULE 1: MODULE 2:
MODULE 5:
MODULE 3:
MODULE 6:
MODULE 4:
Each week, participants gained access to a new learning module which contained readings, videos, interactive exercises and
discussion questions. The first half was spent on theory while the second half included practical, implementation-focused learning.
The first week of the course is spent understanding the
barriers to employment that young people in Africa face. We
specifically focus on what keeps young people “stuck” between
childhood and adulthood -- a situation that adversely affects
their ability to get jobs, get married and become productive
contributing members of society.
This module focuses on the definition of work and how
different interpretations have impacted job sector landscapes.
Depending on the definition, whole parts of the youth
population can be excluded from society and not recognized
as building pathways to livelihoods.
The greatest success stories out of Africa are often connected
to a growing recognition that we need to unlock young
Africans’ innate entrepreneurial talents. In this module
we learn about innovative approaches that help to grow
integrated, collaborative and holistic ecosystems for youth
development and discuss how to co-create action across
divided sectors.
This module explores innovations in education and skills
training and discuss new ways to prepare young Africans for
lifelong success. New models for education and training, like
those practiced by the Maharishi Institute or Young Africa, are
breaking the mold. Additionally, these programs recognized
that skills of hand are needed alongside skills of heart and
mind--life skills are not just a nice to have, but a must have.
The final week of the course serves as a reflection exercise for
participants and focuses on reviewing all the content that was
covered during the course. It is an opportunity to crystallize
the network and critical connections created through the
course and allows for participants to catch-up on coursework.
The demographic statistics about youth employment are
so alarming that an abundant number of governments in
Africa, 48 so far, have instituted national youth policies to
set priorities for engaging, employing and alleviating the
stresses of youth. During this week’s module we explore the
work of social entrepreneurs who are effectively engaging
governments and influencing policies to build bridges and
create enabling environments.
Youth and Employment in Africa Defining Work and Sector Opportunities
Entrepreneurship and Employment Ecosystems
Skills Training and Education
Final Review & Wrap-up
Youth Employment Policy and
Government Engagement
06

GUEST EXPERTS
Self-paced learning modules were complemented each week with a one hour live guest expert session, led by the Ashoka course
facilitators. Participants were able to ask questions of the guest experts in real time. All sessions were recorded and archived for
later viewing.
Ellen is the Founder and Director of Tiwale,
a community based organization which uplifts
Malawian women through opportunities such as
leadership workshops, micro-loans, vocational skills
training and school grants.
Dr. Lantum is the Director of MicroClinic
Technologies, a company specialized Rural Health
Systems Management with operations in Africa, he
oversees business development with government,
multilateral institutions and NGOs.
Taddy is founder and CEO of The Maharishi Institute
located in South Africa, which provides the financing,
educational access, skills development, personal
development tools, and supportive campus
environment for students to create a life of success.
Ndidi is the founder of LEAP Africa, a leading non-
profit organization focused on leadership and ethics.
Ann is the Director of Programs for Financial
Inclusion & Youth Livelihoods at The MasterCard
Foundation. Ann is a seasoned leader in
microfinance with many years of experience in
financial services.
Marlon is the founder of Reconstructed Living Labs
– a South African social entrepreneur who uses
information communications technology (ICT) to
empower communities.
Dr. Taddy Blecher
Maharishi Institute
Ellen Chilemba
Tiwale Community Based
Organization
Dr. Moka Lantum
Ndidi Nwuneli
MicroClinic
Technologies
LEAP Africa
Ann MilesMarlon Parker
The MasterCard FoundationRLabs
07

APPLICANTS
The course received over 1,200 total applications from 83 countries, representing a mix of the public and private sector, ranging
from grassroots community innovators to international program managers. From the over 1,200 applicants, 85 participants were
chosen after careful vetting to establish a balance of geography, gender and expertise.
WHERE WERE THE APPLICANTS FROM? APPLICANTS BY ROLE
Nigeria
Kenya
Ghana
Tanzania
USA
Zimbabwe
South Africa
Uganda
Cameroon
Rwanda
Morocco
India
Tunisia
Liberia
100
20
21
22
23
29
34
34
38
41
107
338
Number of
Participants
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Country
Top 5 Applicants
Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana,
USA, Tanzania
54
43
42
200 300 4000
Program Manager
Entrepreneur
Researcher
Educator/Teacher
Policymaker
Government R...
Funder/ Grant...
Academic Professor
Other
Unspecified
100
12
1
245
5
21
207
347
NUMBER OF APPLICANTS
Number of Applicants by Role
Whatbestdescribesyourrole?
189
137
51
200 3000
08

APPLICANTS
APPLICANT’S YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS COURSE THAT WOULD MAKE THE EXPERIENCE VALUABLE TO YOU?
APPLICANT’S YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
1 to 3
3 to 5
5 to 10
10+
25+
Unspecified
150
12
261
573
NUMBER OF APPLICANTS
Number of Applicants by Years of Work Experience
Social Entrepreneur
(Lilongwe, Malawi)
University Educator
(Kigali, Rwanda)
Community Based
Organization
Program Manager
(Lusaka, Zambia)
Years
239
131
6
300 450 6000
1 to 3
3 to 5
5 to 10
10+
25+
Unspecified
250
26
237
773
NUMBER OF APPLICANTS BY YEAR FOCUSED
Number of Applicants by Years Focused on Youth Development
YearsFocusedonYouthDevelopment
139
41
7
500 750 10000
“In Rwanda, less than a quarter of university
graduates are salaried employees. Considering
the high rates of unemployment, and
underemployment, it is important for educators to
learn more about how to solve these problems.
I would be heartbroken, if at the end of their
degree programs, my students end up joining the
ranks of the unemployed. As such, I am interested
in learning as much as I can about employment
across the continent, so I can use that knowledge
to inform my university’s program design.”
“Africa and Zambia where I am based
is strongly hit by youth unemployment.
A problem supported by a culture of
the mind. Long are the days we used to
go to school, study so that we could be
employed. The experience in this course
will help and equip me fully with the
traits of a creator and not seeker.”
“I am a young African who wants
to learn and give back to my
continent. Learning the different
dynamics at play to empower
youth of all ages and gender
would be of great importance.
I look forward to engaging with
others on the program who
have a shared vision of turning
observations into obligations.”
09

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS BY YEARS
OF WORK EXPERIENCE
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS BY
YEARS FOCUSED ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
PARTICIPANT DETAILS
AFRICAN COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN THE COURSE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS BY ROLE
SAMPLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL AFFILIATIONS
ALGERIA
ANGOLA
CAMEROON
EGYPT
COTE D’IVOIRE
CENTRAL AFRICAN
REPUBLIC
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLIC OF CONGO
NIGERIA
NAMIBIA
ZAMBIA
TUNASIA
NIGER
ETHIOPIA
KENYA
UGANDA
RWANDA
MALAWI
MOZAMBIQUE
TANZANIA
MAURITIUS
LESOTHO
ZIMBABWE
SOUTH AFRICA
LIBERIA
SIERRA LEONE
SENEGAL
THE GAMBIA
MOROCCO
GHANA
40
30
30
10
0
WHAT BEST DESCRIBES YOUR ROLE?
Program
Ma...
Educator/Te..
Researcher...
Entrepreneur
Policymaker
Government...
Other (explain)
26
26
19 19
21
24
22
20
18
YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE
NumberofParticipants
1to3 3to5 5to10 10+
50
26
23
11
7
0
37.5
25
12.5
0
YEARS FOCUSED ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
NumberofParticipants
1to3 3to5 5to10 10+ 25+
UNFPA South Sudan
Peace Corp
Kepler
National Environmental Trust Fund
Devex
World Bank
The Gambia Ministry of Agriculture
Vita Centre for Capacity Development
USAID Rwanda
Nutri-Fresh Farm and AgriHub
Youth Parliament of Mozambique
Siemens
10

PARTICIPANT FORUMS
POPULAR DISCUSSION TOPICS:
FORUM
FORUM
FORUM
What are the consequences of Waithood?
Ideas for transforming African youth into Agri-preneurs
Ideas for transforming our education system for more jobs
Where have you seen incidences of youth “Waithood” in your work?
Is this an acknowledged problem in your organization and in your interventions for youth?
How does “waithood” affect youths’ access to and creation of livelihoods?
Agribusiness is no doubt one of Africa’s Potential sectors with Solutions to Africa’s Current Economic and Social Challenges. in most
African Settings, Agriculture has nonetheless been looked at as a career option for old people and the uneducated. But on the contrary,
this is One of Africa’s potential sectors that need proper attention and investment. This forum will Look at Ideas, Strategies and Policies
that could be used to help Transform African Youth into Agri-preneurs.
I believe our general system of education in Africa has being the core cause for the less productive nature and joblessness of our young
graduates. This eventually pushes them into the waiting hands of the Almighty “Waithood” which we have been preaching all along.
Therefore if we professionalize our educational system and provide more of vocational options, then i believe youths will be able to work
even while going to school because i realized that even the few that are employed after graduation still have to be trained thoroughly
before they can work properly. Lets contribute ideas on how to drive this educational system to create jobs.
TOPIC:
TOPIC:
TOPIC:
11

ENGAGEMENT METRICS
TechPoints are earned when participants engage with the course platform. Participants must complete 60 TechPoints to receive a
certificate. Points are distributed as follows:
Return to course platform - 1 TechPoint RSVP for a guest expert session - 2 TechPoints
Attend a guest expert session - 10 TechPoints Post a comment on the message board - 4 TechPoints
Post an article or comment on the news feed - 2 TechPoints
13
Average number of TechPoints Graduation Rate148 66%

ENGAGEMENT METRICS
NPS
Total Number
of Comments
Changemakers
Course NPS
Average number
of comments
per participant
1,98686 25
TOP 5 SCORERS
Sierra Leone
Communications Lead at BRAC
1070 TechPoints
Botswana
Founder, My Smile Foundation and
MA student Gender and Education
701 TechPoints
Cameroon
Environmental Geo-Science
Engineer
897 TechPoints
Zambia
Founder- Youth Employment
Creation Initiative-YECI Zambia
497 TechPoints
Kenya
Founder & Director at
Nutri-Fresh Farm & AgriHub
730 TechPoints
14
On a scale from 0-10, how
likely are you to recommend an
Ashoka Changemakers course
to a friend or colleague?

SAMPLE PARTICIPANT IMPACT STATEMENTS
“Wow, this is a mind-blowing and one of a kind course training on youth. The course training was very insightful and gave me more in-
depth knowledge into Africa youth unemployment problems and innovative ways to tackle the the social issues in my community. The high
level of participant discussion in the forum was unprecedented and everyone was willing to share their knowledge. This course gave me
more validation with my work in youth development. A big thank you to Ashoka, Mastercard Foundation, FutureForward for this unique
opportunity to add these skills to my professional development. THANK YOU, THANK YOU and THANK YOU.”
“This course has served to spark the fire in me to continue with my dream of the possibility of a world that will offer opportunities to the
youth. However, my mantra remains “change the world one person at a time.” Thus my first assignment to myself is to create the culture of
volunteerism in the youth and learning for the job market for the out of college youth. This way the much required experience before getting
a job will have been dealt with. I want to be the change that I desire and hopefully it ripples to the rest of the youth and well maybe even
children, After all, the children are the future youth and the earlier the better. Thank you so much ASHOKA. I am more than grateful. I may
never find the correct words to express my gratitude.”
“If I was to sum up what this course has taught me, it would be interconnectedness…. I have always had this feeling since I was a child that
someone needed to advocate and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. In terms of youth unemployment I have learnt that it is as
a result of a myriad of macro and micro factors. This course has truly been an amazing journey, I have learnt that problems are not unique
to Kenya and that issues surrounding the youth are commonplace within Africa and also around the world. The youth are raising their voices
in order to get their problems addressed which they need to channel into active participation in government, civil society and the public
sector.I am truly thankful to Ashoka, MasterCard Foundation, Future Forward for giving me the opportunity to interact with such great minds
as well as open me up to a new world of possibilities. ”
Social Entrepreneur
Multinational Corporate
Employee
Multilateral Organization
Employee
15

FORMATION OF THE AFRICAN CHANGEMAKERS NETWORK
During Module 5 of the course, a group of participants began a conversation in a WhatsApp group aimed at post course
collaboration, connections and partnerships. An idea of gathering at a summit was born well before Module 6 affirmed what
this group of Changemaker Scholars were envisioning. Approximately 30 course participants came together to form the African
Changemakers Leadership Team and Committees, and invited course participants to engage in democratic elections for board
members. Directly out of the course, a new organization has formed, and will be engaged further for development during the 2016
Future Forward activities.
COURSE GRADUATES LEADING THE NEW AFRICAN CHANGEMAKERS NETWORK:
Chairperson,
Mireille Tushiminina
(Democratic Republic of Congo)
Vice chairperson 1,
Grandson Shipangula
(Zambia)
Secretary,
Heaneah Smile Sianeh
(Botswana)
Communications,
Diana Prida Praff
(Uganda)
Financial and Fundraising,
Topsie Olatilewa Egbetokun
(Nigeria)
Research and Development,
Gabila Neba
(Cameroon)
Administration,
Asanteewa lo-Liyong
(South Sudan)
Vice chairperson 2,
Juanita Naidoo Rea
(South Africa)
16

ADDITIONAL METRICS
DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO COLLABORATE
WITH ANY OTHER PARTICIPANTS FROM
THE COURSE?
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART
OF THIS COURSE?
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT
CHALLENGE DURING THIS COURSE?
Yes
3%
89%
8%
No Maybe/Not sure
Content
Guest Experts
Networking
Forums
15% 23% 30% 38% 45%
Time/Keeping
Up With
Course Work
28%None
8%
Live Sessions/
Schedule Conflict
25%
Keeping Up
With Forums
Technical
Internet
Issues
14%
25%
17

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
MORE RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR
NON-SELECTED APPLICANTS
NEED FOR INCREASED FACILITATION ON MESSAGE BOARDS
DESIRE FOR IN-PERSON MEET-UPS
Future Forward has grown a vast network of youth development
leaders, changemakers, and those interested in learning about
youth development and employment in Africa. The course
catalyzed an unexpected high number from the Future Forward
network and beyond, with over 1,200 applications submitted for
the 80 seats in the course. We will be able to improve our ability
to provide information and resources by being prepared to deal
with the high volume of applicants are non-selected to participate
in the course. By analyzing the demographics and background
of the 1,200 applicants, in the future we can tailor the resources
for those who weren’t selected and provide tips on how to
strengthen applications for future opportunities.
The level of engagement in the initial cohort of course was extraordinary and unprecedented for any online course Ashoka has run to
date. Participants especially used the message boards as a powerful tool for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Due to the high-
level of engagement, the message board at times became extremely fast moving, and created challenges for those with limited time to
engage. In the future version, will provide more focused facilitation on the message boards themselves.
The online learning platform is optimized for those in
hard to reach areas who may have access to connectivity
but are limited in their ability to travel to conferences and
networking events. Throughout the course participants
expressed desire for a way to allow participants to engage
in offline in-person activities. In the next version we will
experiment with an in-person component where people
can come together and discuss course topics and learn
about each other’s initiatives and innovative ideas through
facilitated discussion with course alumni.
19

PLANS FOR 2016
INCREASED PARTICIPANT NUMBERS WITH TWO COHORT COURSE
FACILITATED DISCUSSION GROUP MEETUPS
AFRICAN CHANGEMAKERS NETWORK SUMMIT
The volume of demand was so great for the first version of the course the team has decided to run the next iteration of the course with
double the number of participants, to 160, split into two cohorts. This allows us to meet the great demand while ensuring a close-knit
collaborative environment where participants feel supported and engaged in the learning process.
We will be testing new in-person meetup groups for the 2016 course, split into four regional hubs, hosted by course alumni.
These in-person discussions will aim for deeper connection and discussion, further uniting the community of African change leaders
working on youth development.
The graduates of the 2015 course are actively planning and fundraising for an event to bring together the group of African change
leaders that has formed out of this of the course. Ashoka will be working with the group to determine feasibility and support
mechanisms for the event.
20

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