DOT (Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT))

Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) was globally established in 2002 with a mission: to connect youth with technology; to build human capacity; to instill an entrepreneurial way of thinking, and to provide the tools for community-led economic and social development. Combining the power of young entrepreneurs, technology, and innovative community solutions, DOT programs stimulate economic growth and create a framework for community development to secure the future success of youth, with a particular focus on young women.

DOT operations in Ethiopia were established in 2006. DOT's work toward alleviating poverty and eradicating inequality instills a spirit of development and progress among its young population. DOT provides the training and the skills to allow young Ethiopians to harness their potential and find opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

DOT Ethiopia Programs
In Ethiopia, DOT currently implements ReachUp! and StartUp! programs. Carefully selected interns deliver these programs in chosen communities to thousands of keen participants, who are intent on bettering their lives with newly-acquired life skills and technology competencies.

DOT Ethiopia program reaches out to vulnerable youth and young women looking to find employment and/or private sector opportunities. Up to date, DOT Ethiopia has directly engaged over 9,000 national youth and women with very minimal resources to apply relevant Information Communication Technologies (ICT) to gain business and life skills to improve their access to market and employment opportunities. Since its inception, DOT Ethiopia has established vital partnerships with international organizations, local government offices, education institutions, local community-based organizations (CBO), associations, and microfinance institutions to better serve vulnerable and resource-poor youth. It is through these partnerships that DOT selects its beneficiaries, adding valued services to the services already provided by its partner organizations to their targeted beneficiaries.

Over the last few years, DOT has learned that its unique methodology is well-suited for local youth as it successfully tailors to their local needs. Youth are an important target group for economic growth as they have an ability to learn quickly and can influence poverty reduction for future generations. DOT believes that its short-term investment in youth human capital development is a long-term poverty relief strategy for generations to come.