INTRODUCTION
It is no secret that the digital world is currently a very lucrative jobs market in the world and it keeps on growing rapidly. The digital space is taking over most of the jobs that do not really require one to be actually present in the office. It saw a huge spike in the sector during COVID-19 lockdown as most employers and employees navigated most of their jobs without being in the office. The flexibility in terms of working hours, the ability to be able to deliver from anywhere in the world and the handsome payments acquired from these remote jobs ensure that this practice is here to stay.
Unfortunately in Tanzania, we are still quite far behind in this sector. We have a huge reliability in the physical jobs but; if we are well equipped in the digital space, the people especially youths will have a bigger playground when it comes to job searching and thus reduce the rate of unemployment drastically.
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
A change in the curriculum. The government should adopt a new curriculum which dictates the study of computer and its essential programs a mandatory subject from as early as standard one and provide government schools with computers. The computer use is a huge part of the digital sphere and the sooner the kids get acquinted with it the earlier they will get exploring their options.
The use of English Language as the official teaching language from primary school onwards. The English Language is without a doubt the most valuable currency in the communication business world wide. It is the universal language used to bridge gaps between people from different countries. If our kids are familiarized with the language earlier, it will assist them in becoming more confident while dealing with people from different parts of the world.
Set up free programs and workshops for impacting digital skills. These should be set up for those willing and able to learn and from them they can learn about opportunities present and how to go about them. The government and other organizations could sponsor these so that they can be provided free of charge in order to increase participation.
The government should start to digitize some of their job opportunities. If the government spearheads this initiative by starting to offer remote positions, it will get more people quickly familiar with the concept and make them eager to inquire more on the subject.
Partnering with global freelancing platforms and encouraging multinational companies to outsource digital jobs in the country. The idea is to get people as comfortable with digital jobs as they are with physical jobs. There are a lot of thriving freelancing platforms such as UpWork and Fiverr which the government could provide incentives for them to work closely with it in impacting digital skills to its citizens.
Regulating data prices and establishing free public WI-FI hotspots. The government should take into consideration this issue by finding a way to meet the telecommunication companies in the middle and figure out a benchmark for data bundle prices so as to make them more affordable fir the average citizen. Furthermore, free public hotspots for every region should be established which will make even those who can not afford to buy data bundles have a place to access the internet easily.
Establishment of digital supportive community networks. Community digital hubs are a necessary part of this journey. Those already in the field should be encouraged to formulate digital hubs and be on the ready to help new comers and sh ifow them how things work.
Research and data collection. This is very crucial as it will help identify which skills set or jobs are much in need and thus provide a focus point on the training part. It will also be useful in identifying new trends and necessary updates in the digital space which will keep the interested parties up to date.
CONCLUSION
Unemployment is more or less a global problem. There are never enough job opportunities for everyone. The prospect of being able to work remotely from anywhere in the world for anyone in the world makes the playground bigger for job seekers. It is the perfect opportunity for those who are willing, able and qualified to work but are currently unable to leave their homesteads for the whole day. People such as stay at home parents, mobility impaired persons and just about anyone who finds the idea of being able to earn an income while at home life saving; have benefited greatly from remote jobs and generally if this sector thrives in our country it will vastly reduce the issue of unemployment.
It is no secret that the digital world is currently a very lucrative jobs market in the world and it keeps on growing rapidly. The digital space is taking over most of the jobs that do not really require one to be actually present in the office. It saw a huge spike in the sector during COVID-19 lockdown as most employers and employees navigated most of their jobs without being in the office. The flexibility in terms of working hours, the ability to be able to deliver from anywhere in the world and the handsome payments acquired from these remote jobs ensure that this practice is here to stay.
Unfortunately in Tanzania, we are still quite far behind in this sector. We have a huge reliability in the physical jobs but; if we are well equipped in the digital space, the people especially youths will have a bigger playground when it comes to job searching and thus reduce the rate of unemployment drastically.
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
A change in the curriculum. The government should adopt a new curriculum which dictates the study of computer and its essential programs a mandatory subject from as early as standard one and provide government schools with computers. The computer use is a huge part of the digital sphere and the sooner the kids get acquinted with it the earlier they will get exploring their options.
The use of English Language as the official teaching language from primary school onwards. The English Language is without a doubt the most valuable currency in the communication business world wide. It is the universal language used to bridge gaps between people from different countries. If our kids are familiarized with the language earlier, it will assist them in becoming more confident while dealing with people from different parts of the world.
Set up free programs and workshops for impacting digital skills. These should be set up for those willing and able to learn and from them they can learn about opportunities present and how to go about them. The government and other organizations could sponsor these so that they can be provided free of charge in order to increase participation.
The government should start to digitize some of their job opportunities. If the government spearheads this initiative by starting to offer remote positions, it will get more people quickly familiar with the concept and make them eager to inquire more on the subject.
Partnering with global freelancing platforms and encouraging multinational companies to outsource digital jobs in the country. The idea is to get people as comfortable with digital jobs as they are with physical jobs. There are a lot of thriving freelancing platforms such as UpWork and Fiverr which the government could provide incentives for them to work closely with it in impacting digital skills to its citizens.
Regulating data prices and establishing free public WI-FI hotspots. The government should take into consideration this issue by finding a way to meet the telecommunication companies in the middle and figure out a benchmark for data bundle prices so as to make them more affordable fir the average citizen. Furthermore, free public hotspots for every region should be established which will make even those who can not afford to buy data bundles have a place to access the internet easily.
Establishment of digital supportive community networks. Community digital hubs are a necessary part of this journey. Those already in the field should be encouraged to formulate digital hubs and be on the ready to help new comers and sh ifow them how things work.
Research and data collection. This is very crucial as it will help identify which skills set or jobs are much in need and thus provide a focus point on the training part. It will also be useful in identifying new trends and necessary updates in the digital space which will keep the interested parties up to date.
CONCLUSION
Unemployment is more or less a global problem. There are never enough job opportunities for everyone. The prospect of being able to work remotely from anywhere in the world for anyone in the world makes the playground bigger for job seekers. It is the perfect opportunity for those who are willing, able and qualified to work but are currently unable to leave their homesteads for the whole day. People such as stay at home parents, mobility impaired persons and just about anyone who finds the idea of being able to earn an income while at home life saving; have benefited greatly from remote jobs and generally if this sector thrives in our country it will vastly reduce the issue of unemployment.
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