The Challenge:

Picture Luanda, Angola, where the buzz of the city contrasts with the struggles tied to an oil-fluctuating economy and the tough streets of urban poverty. Sofia, a bright-eyed local eager to dive into the workforce, hit a wall. Despite having the skills, there was no straightforward way to prove it to employers. Click here to verify

"It felt like being stuck in limbo, having skills but no way to convincingly showcase them to employers," - Sofia (a local job seeker)

The Solution:

Then, along came a game-changer from Gaza999: a digital badging system. Think of it as a digital high-five for your skills, a way to say, "Yeah, I can do that," and prove it with a click. This system wasn't just cool; it was a lifeline, turning skills into shareable, digital badges that employers could see and trust.

"Receiving my first digital badge was a proud moment. It was tangible proof of my abilities, ready to be shared," - Sofia (an aspiring professional)

The Implementation:

The development of the digital badging platform was the first step, laying the groundwork for a new era of skill verification. This platform was designed to allow users to earn, display, and share micro-certifications across various skills. Skill-specific certifications were carefully defined, with clear assessment criteria to ensure their credibility. Users could create profiles to showcase their badges, which were also made compatible with leading job platforms. Partnerships with vocational trainers ensured a broad and relevant range of skills were covered.

"Partnering with the digital badging platform has enabled us to provide a direct link between our training programs and job opportunities for our graduates," - Paulo (Vocational Trainer)

The Impact:

Fast-forward a year, and over 800 individuals have turned their talents into badges, lighting up their paths to employment. This wasn't just good news for them; it was a boost for the whole city. New businesses popped up, youth unemployment dropped by 40%, and skills were finally getting the spotlight they deserved.

 "With my digital badges, I was able to secure interviews and finally land a job that values my skills," - Sofia (Newly Employed)

Lessons Learned:

• Skill-Specific Certification: Developing certifications that accurately reflect the skills and competencies of individuals is essential for their professional validation and acceptance in the job market.

• Digital Platform Adaptability: Ensuring the digital badging platform is adaptable and user-friendly enhances its effectiveness as a tool for skill verification and employment facilitation.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration between training providers and employers is key to ensuring that digital badges are recognized and valued as credible evidence of skill attainment.