Young people improve their digital skills thanks to UNICEF and business partnership

Tbilisi, Georgia, 28 September 2023 – UNICEF and the Business and Technology University launched an eight-month training programme this week to build digital skills of the most vulnerable young people.  The initiative is one of the partnership projects between UNICEF and business community in Georgia to equip young people with crucial skills for their development. The programme is implemented in close partnership with the State Care Agency, the National Agency for Crime Prevention and Probation, civil society partners and different business representatives.

“All children and young people should have equal opportunities for learning and development”, said Jesper Moller, Representative of UNICEF in Georgia. “We are delighted to join efforts with the Business and Technology University, other business companies and our government partners to provide the most vulnerable young people with an opportunity to reach their full potential and to develop. Investing in human capital development is everybody’s business and I am glad that business community in Georgia prioritize education and young people’s skills building in their corporate social responsibility efforts”

The trainings are organized in Tbilisi and Batumi and supports children and young people in enhancing their digital skills for further employment and career development. Digital literacy and communication skills like basic MS programmes, cybersecurity and cyber hygiene, principles of digital technologies; tech courses like tech English, graphic design and social media marketing as well as career development courses such as searching for a job, creating digital portfolio, interviewing skills, designing CV, employment platforms are part of the training programme. The final phase of the learning journey will be a career bootcamp giving young people an opportunity to meet with potential employers and to explore employment opportunities.

"We are proud to collaborate with UNICEF and other partners on this important initiative to enhance the digital skills of vulnerable young people in Georgia. At the Business and Technology University, we believe in the transformative power of education and its role in shaping a brighter future for our youth. Through this program, we aim to provide practical training, mentorship, and career opportunities, enabling these young individuals to thrive in the digital age. Our commitment to this partnership reflects our dedication to education, innovation, and the well-being of our community. Furthermore, we sincerely hope that more organizations and companies will join us in supporting this initiative. With increased support, we aspire to expand the program's reach, extending its benefits to more vulnerable youth and covering additional regions of Georgia. Together, through collective effort and commitment, we can make an even greater impact and empower even more young people to realize their full potential. " – highlights Prof. Dr. Nino Enukidze, the Rector of Business and Technology University.

The training programme includes practical and networking activities, mentoring and future career orientation. Lectures will be facilitated by the experts and teachers of the Business and Technology University. The trainings in Tbilisi will be held at the premises of the Business and Technology University and in Batumi at the Shota Rustaveli State University.

Harnessing the power of business and markets for children is one of UNICEF’s core strategies for achieving programme results for children. Partnership with businesses includes addressing child rights in the business ecosystem, supporting the companies to respect child rights through their policies and practices, advocating and raising awareness of communities around key issues affecting children. The initiative is part of the Business Advisory Council for Children, an innovative platform of UNICEF and business partnership aiming to support the realization of children’s rights in the context of the workplace, the labour market, and the community.