~ What we do
SHIELD provides innovation spaces and combines digital transformation, Design-thinking, research, social venture building expertise to support youths from underserved communities to build social impact ventures that lead to a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for underserved people. These ventures have the potential to create employment opportunities and address critical socio-economic issues in their communities.
~ How we do it
Mindset Change
We help our beneficiaries in underserved communities adopt entrepreneurial mindsets and regenerative culture of money. This way they can abandon radicalized ideologies, over-reliance on handouts, donations and instead focus on income-generating activities for self-dependency and impact generation in their communities.
Skill set Development
Our beneficiaries benefit from our training programs where they acquire in-demand skills in tech, social entrepreneurship, project management and vocational courses. These technical skills enable them to build and scale solutions to solve social problems in their communities more sustainably.
We build and scale Social ventures
We combine talent placement from graduates of our programs, resource mobilization with our strong network of partners and experts to help young entrepreneurs to launch and scale their social ventures. These social ventures address social problems in their communities and create additional employment opportunities.
We build innovation ecosystems in underserved communities
We work with our partners to share our learnings and insights, and build strong innovation communities in underserved areas to help spur more development.
Employment Creation
We understand that not everyone can become a successful entrepreneur. In light of this, we provide additional pathways to job entry for our beneficiaries. Job linkages through our partners and exploring freelancing opportunities.
We research and advise
We leverage rigorous quantitative and qualitative research, and data analytics, to inform our strategic advisory services specializing in tech and entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at poverty interventions in underserved communities. .
~ Our methodology
Our holistic approach incorporates technical and entrepreneurial capacity building training programs combined with multi-stakeholder community engagement to bring in the right support for our beneficiaries to thrive and build solutions to solve social problems in underserved communities. Learners undergo three main programs aimed at upskilling them after which they join the SHIELD community to access the right network and additional resources to become capable social impact champions in their communities.
~ Sectors of focus
Education
Education is the cornerstone of socio-economic development, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty. In underserved communities, access to quality education is limited, leaving many without the tools to compete in a globalized world. By prioritizing education, SHIELD empowers youths to think critically, innovate, and create solutions tailored to local challenges. This builds a pipeline of skilled professionals, fostering self-reliance, economic growth, and community resilience.
Circular Economy
The circular economy emphasizes minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency, a critical approach for resource-scarce underserved communities. Encouraging innovations like recycling, upcycling, and sustainable production can stimulate local economies while addressing environmental degradation. SHIELD’s focus on this sector equips youths to create businesses that turn waste into value, reduce dependency on imports, and promote long-term sustainability
Tourism
Tourism has immense potential to create jobs, boost local economies, and celebrate cultural heritage. Underserved communities often possess untapped cultural and natural resources that can attract sustainable tourism. By focusing on tourism, SHIELD helps beneficiaries develop skills to create and manage eco-friendly tourism initiatives, thereby generating income and raising the profile of their communities while preserving their unique heritage for future generations.
SMEs
SMEs are the backbone of economic growth and job creation, especially in underserved communities. They drive innovation, create employment opportunities, and stimulate local economies by fostering entrepreneurship. However, many SMEs in these areas face challenges such as limited access to funding, training, and markets. By prioritizing SME development, SHIELD equips beneficiaries with the skills and resources to launch and scale their businesses. This empowers communities to become economically self-reliant, reduces dependency on aid, and fosters inclusive economic development.
Environment
Environmental conservation is essential for ensuring sustainable livelihoods in underserved communities that heavily rely on natural resources. Challenges like deforestation, pollution, and climate change disproportionately affect these areas, exacerbating poverty. SHIELD prioritizes environmental stewardship, training beneficiaries in renewable energy, conservation practices, and climate adaptation strategies. This not only safeguards ecosystems but also enhances community resilience and access to green jobs.
Health
Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right that remains elusive for many in underserved communities. Poor health limits economic productivity and perpetuates poverty cycles. SHIELD’s focus on health equips beneficiaries with knowledge and skills to address local healthcare challenges, such as combating diseases, improving sanitation, and promoting preventive care. By investing in health, SHIELD contributes to building healthier, more productive communities capable of driving their own development.
SDGs Allignment
Through our programs and community-focused approach, SHIELD directly contributes to creating a more equitable and sustainable future in alignment with SDG 2030.
~ Our theory of Change
Input
Potential learners
High potential youth and leaders coming from underserved communities who will be beneficiaries of the SHIELD program
Resources
Productivity resources to support learners for example WIFI, computers and working space
Montorship
Industrial experts who will serve as mentors, trainers and coaches
Output
Talent pool
A group of skilled young technology and digital professionals who provide technical solutions and innovations to communities, and offer their talent to local organizations and companies.
Social Entrepreneurs
Active social entrepreneurs trained and supported through SHIELD programs to create local solutions in underserved communities.
Youth-led Initiatives
New social ventures, innovations, and community development initiatives led by young people and launched through SHIELD programs in underserved communities.
Outcomes
Enhanced Digital Literacy and Capacity
Increased digital literacy, technical skills, and social entrepreneurship management among young people, entrepreneurs, and social change leaders in underserved communities.
Improved Access to Opportunities
Enhanced access to higher education, career development, and leadership opportunities for youth from underserved communities.
Stronger Stakeholder Engagement
Improved engagement of social impact community stakeholders to boost sustainability and accountability of youth-led social ventures and community initiatives.
How we measure impact
Before the program, participants’ level of exposure to core training topics, current state of ideas, challenges previously faced, and program expectations will be recorded through an online baseline survey and a pre-assessment test embedded in the application form and course platform. This data will be collected and compared with post-assessments to measure growth and determine the effectiveness of our programs.
~ Output will be measured in 2 steps
Reaction
Reactions will be evaluated through daily reflections, testimonials, and an online post-evaluation survey completed by students and tutors. This survey will assess their overall experience, measure satisfaction with the training sessions, and gather insights to improve future program delivery. Our aim is to ensure participants feel engaged, supported, and motivated to continue applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the program. By focusing on meaningful feedback, we strive to create a learning environment.
~ Outcomes will be measured in 2 steps
Behavior Change
6 to 12 months after implementation, we will conduct a behaviour evaluation to assess the extent to which participants apply their learning from the program and the change in their behaviour. This will be conducted via a series of online surveys to ensure convenience. We strive to achieve mindset change, incorporate human-centred and community driven values and skills in our beneficiaries that they can leverage to bring positive social impact in their communities.
Learning
Learnings are assessed through daily quizzes(all programs, students’ tech projects (Websites and Mobile apps) weekly assessments in tech programs and a pitch presentations on demo day in entrepreneurship programs. Learning occurs when one or more of the following has occurred: attitudes are changed, knowledge is increased, and/ or skills improved.
Result
We assess results 1 to 2 years after participants implement their action plans to understand how they have adopted the approaches taught and sustained their initiatives. This includes tracking the number of community members engaged, financial gains, and measurable impact. Through online surveys and alumni engagement, we evaluate resilience and economic contribution.