Empowerment Through Innovation and TICs (diferent topics possible)

Description of the internships

Remote Health Connect
Remote Health Connect aims to address the healthcare challenges in remote and underserved areas by leveraging telemedicine solutions, data analytics, and mobile applications. The project integrates telemedicine platforms to connect patients with healthcare providers, uses data analytics for disease tracking and resource management, and develops mobile apps for health education, mental health support, and self-assessment. It includes telepsychology services for remote psychological counseling and support.

Enhancing Governance through Technological Innovation
The proposed project aims to leverage advanced technological solutions to address governance challenges in Kenya. The interns will develop digital transparency tools, implement blockchain for secure record-keeping, establish human rights monitoring systems, and develop performance monitoring tools. Additionally, the project will build secure digital voting systems, create civic education platforms, launch open data initiatives, and apply big data analytics.
By implementing advanced digital tools, this project seeks to create a more transparent, accountable, and participatory governance environment.

Smart Precision Agriculture Initiative
The Smart Precision Agriculture Initiative is designed to revolutionize farming practices through the implementation of advanced AI technologies and smart farming systems. This project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, resource efficiency, and climate resilience by integrating AI-powered precision farming techniques, IoT devices for real-time monitoring, and climate-smart agriculture practices. It focuses on three core areas:

  • precision farming for soil nutrient management, crop yield prediction, and optimized irrigation;
  • smart farming systems for real-time farm operations and livestock management;
  • climate-smart agriculture to analyze climate data, predict weather patterns, and recommend adaptive farming practices.

Digital Entrepreneurship and Market Access Program
The Digital Entrepreneurship and Market Access Program aims to support the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing digital tools, mentorship programs, and access to market information. The program focuses on creating and enhancing e-commerce platforms, logistics solutions, and online marketplaces to connect producers with consumers, thus boosting trade and economic activity. By leveraging technology, the DEMA Program seeks to empower entrepreneurs, streamline business operations, and facilitate market access to foster economic growth.

Empowerment for Education and Social Services Initiative

The Empowerment for Education and Social Services Initiative aims to address critical gaps in education, research, and social services in Kenya by leveraging technology and data-driven solutions. This project focuses on four key areas:

  • enhancing social services delivery,
  • empowering community development,
  • implementing child and social protection systems,
  • increasing access to quality education.

The initiative involves developing platforms for social welfare programs and public service delivery to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability. It also includes using GIS mapping, data analytics, and participatory platforms to help communities identify local needs, plan interventions, and monitor progress. Additionally, the project seeks to implement child protection systems, databases for social welfare beneficiaries, and AI-based tools to identify vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the Initiative aims to create e-learning platforms, educational content, and online resources to provide quality education, particularly in remote and underserved areas lacking physical infrastructure.


Digital Leadership and Innovation Empowerment
The Digital Leadership and Innovation Empowerment Program is designed to address critical gaps in talent development, leadership, and innovation in Kenya. This initiative focuses on implementing technology-driven leadership training modules, developing collaboration platforms, and creating innovation hubs and incubators. The program aims to provide emerging leaders with access to global best practices, mentorship opportunities, and real-time feedback through advanced digital platforms. Additionally, it seeks to facilitate knowledge sharing among professionals, academics, and industry experts by developing online collaboration platforms. The Program also supports startups and entrepreneurs by establishing innovation hubs equipped with state-of-the-art technology, resources, and mentorship to nurture their growth and drive economic development.

 

Required qualities and skills

 Technical Skills

  • Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript.
  • Ability to analyze data using tools like Excel, R, or Python; experience with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI.
  • Basic understanding of software development processes, including web and mobile app development.
  • Exposure to AI and machine learning concepts and tools is a plus for roles involving data analytics and smart systems.
  • Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies for projects related to agriculture and environmental sustainability.

Analytical Skills

  • Ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement them effectively.
  • Strong critical thinking skills to analyze issues from multiple perspectives and derive innovative solutions.
  • Proficiency in conducting research, gathering data, and synthesizing information to support project objectives.

Soft Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and reporting.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in diverse and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements and environments.
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities and the potential to take on more responsibility.

 Project-Specific Skills

  • Understanding of telemedicine principles and digital health tools for projects in healthcare.
  • Knowledge of precision agriculture, soil health management, and sustainable farming practices.
  • Understanding of social service delivery models and community engagement practices.
  • Interest in innovation, startup ecosystems, and entrepreneurial support mechanisms.

 Personal Qualities

  • A genuine interest in contributing to societal betterment and sustainable development.
  • A proactive approach to learning new skills and staying updated with industry trends. 
  • Strong ethical values and integrity in handling project-related responsibilities and data

 

Duration of the internship: 6 months
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Accommodation provided: NO
(The Youth Café will not provide direct financial assistance for accommodation for the interns. However, we are committed to helping interns settle in comfortably by offering comprehensive support and guidance. We will provide detailed information about secure and conveniently located housing options in the vicinity of the project sites).
Meals provided: NO

Section(s) concerned: Cyber security, Computer science, Communication systems, Data science, Sustainable management and technology

 

Description of the organization

The Youth Café (TYC) is a not-for-profit Pan-African youth organization that was founded in 2012 and works with young people in Africa and around the world to foster community resilience, propose innovative solutions, drive social progress, enable youth empowerment and inspire political change. TYC  is Africa’s largest and most diverse convening community of professionals harnessing youth-led potentials and transforming them into sustainable youth-enabled futures with its headquarter at Kitisuru Gardens, in Nairobi, Kenya. The Youth Café’s activities are in line with the 6 pillars. They include :

  • Health and Well-being,
  • Democracy,
  • Human Rights, and Governance,
  • Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability,
  • Economic Growth, Education, Research & Social services 
  • Talent Development, Leadership & Innovation

Vision : To advance youth-led approaches toward achieving sustainable development, social equity, innovative solutions, community resilience and transformative change.

Mission : To enrich the lives of young people by modeling and advancing youth-led and rights-based approaches to foster young peoples civic efficacy, community resilience,sustainable development, an equitable society as well as proposing innovative solutions, driving social progress and inspiring transformative change by utilizing innovative research, policy and advocacy actions

Name: The Youth Café
Contact person: Willice Onyango, Executive Director ([email protected], in english)