Tonga Women in ICT, in collaboration with COL and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand, has been actively working to enhance digital literacy and ICT skills among women and youth in Tonga. From April to September 2024, TWICT organised a series of training sessions at the TWICT Hub focusing on digital competencies aimed at youths and various professional groups, including teachers and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The programme’s primary objectives include bridging the gender gap in technology, enhancing employability, fostering entrepreneurship and cultivating digital leadership within the community. Participants have gained practical skills in utilising digital tools such as Canva and Facebook for social media marketing, as well as learning how to leverage AI tools for business applications. Additionally, the programme offered valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals.
One of the key components of the initiative was a series of Excel training sessions tailored for primary and high school teachers, designed to enhance their data management capabilities. This was complemented by PowerPoint training, which ranged from basic to advanced levels, equipping participants with the skills to create dynamic presentations.
For essential professional skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, in August, the Youth ICT Symposium marked a significant highlight, attracting over 50 participants, including young people from schools and mid-career individuals. The symposium featured sessions on leadership and entrepreneurship, a Digital Financial Literacy workshop, and a Youth Entrepreneurship Panel with young local entrepreneurs sharing their experiences.
In the realm of digital marketing, the training included comprehensive sessions on using Canva and Facebook to create and manage effective marketing campaigns. An advanced workshop also explored the application of AI in digital marketing, aiming to improve campaign targeting and optimisation.
Tonga Women in ICT views technology as a facilitative tool in emphasising and highlighting its role in connecting learners with knowledge. This holistic approach has provided participants with a strong foundation in IT and advanced skills tailored to the evolving technological landscape.