Background/Objective
Uganda has the second youngest population globally, with 78% of citizens under 35 and 64% of youth under 30 unemployed. UNICEF Uganda, with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, launched FunDoo a free digital life coach via WhatsApp and SMS-to equip young people with 21st-century and employability skills.
Intervention/Methods
FunDoo delivers self-paced learning through 30-45-minute modules covering CV writing, career development, communication, mental health, climate change, and GBV prevention. Learners earn certificates and digital badges. Low-data accessibility via WhatsApp and SMS enables engagement in low-connectivity areas. In November 2024, UNICEF expanded FunDoo through partnerships with 14+ universities and institutions, engaging 10,000+ youth through webinar series with industry experts.
Results/Lessons Learned
Between July 2024 and June 2025, over 50,000 youth used FunDoo. Key lessons: (1) hybrid engagement increases reach; (2) youth co-creation makes learning relatable; (3) partnerships amplify credibility; (4) low-data models enable marginalized youth access.
Discussion/Implications
FunDoo demonstrates that digital platforms with partnerships and youth-driven design meaningfully address employability challenges at scale. Reaching 50,000 learners in 12 months shows progress toward UNICEF's 1-million-youth target, offering a replicable, low-cost model that provides essential skills for future work and sustainable development.
Background/Objective
Uganda has the second youngest population globally, with 78% of citizens under 35 and 64% of youth under 30 unemployed. UNICEF Uganda, with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, launched FunDoo a free digital life coach via WhatsApp and SMS-to equip young people with 21st-century and employability skills.
Intervention/Methods
FunDoo delivers self-paced learning through 30-45-minute modules covering CV writing, career development, communication, mental health, climate change, and GBV prevention. Learners earn certificates and digital badges. Low-data accessibility via WhatsApp and SMS enables engagement in low-connectivity areas. In November 2024, UNICEF expanded FunDoo through partnerships with 14+ universities and institutions, engaging 10,000+ youth through webinar series with industry experts.
Results/Lessons Learned
Between July 2024 and June 2025, over 50,000 youth used FunDoo. Key lessons: (1) hybrid engagement increases reach; (2) youth co-creation makes learning relatable; (3) partnerships amplify credibility; (4) low-data models enable marginalized youth access.
Discussion/Implications
FunDoo demonstrates that digital platforms with partnerships and youth-driven design meaningfully address employability challenges at scale. Reaching 50,000 learners in 12 months shows progress toward UNICEF's 1-million-youth target, offering a replicable, low-cost model that provides essential skills for future work and sustainable development.
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