Youth Digital Empowerment Program in Medellín [FUNDING OPEN]

YOUTH Digital Empowerment Program in Medellín [FUNDING OPEN]

Building Digital Futures in Comuna 13

After strengthening school infrastructure and improving access to clean water (completed project) and nutritious food (project open for funding) in Tanzania, we are now expanding our mission to Latin America. This project marks COPELI’s first educational and social empowerment initiative, designed and implemented in partnership with Fundación Dame La Mano in Comuna 13 of Medellín. Building on the trust and impact of our earlier work, this program continues our vision: to create self-sustaining communities by equipping youth with the tools, skills, and emotional support they need to thrive in a digital world.

Through this initiative, we aim to provide 120 vulnerable youth (ages 12–18) in Comuna 13 with comprehensive computer literacy training, enabling them to develop practical digital skills for employment and entrepreneurship in the modern economy. The program aims to open doors to remote and local employment opportunities, and empower participants to develop innovative projects that foster their personal and professional growth in a modern digital environment.

You can support this initiative by donating or sharing our fundraising campaign

Every contribution — big or small — helps us equip more youth in Comuna 13 with digital skills and real opportunities for a better future.

Objectives

Through hands-on digital training, students gain the skills and confidence to navigate today’s digital world. The participants will:

Learn the basics of computers — hardware, operating systems, and file management
Build core digital skills — typing, text editing, spreadsheets, internet, email etc
Practice online safety and responsible digital behavior
Create CVs, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles to apply for jobs online
Prepare for digital jobs — data entry, secretarial work, customer service, virtual assistance etc
Use essential office tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
Start small online businesses by selling crafts or services on Etsy and social media
Gain confidence and independence through real income-generating opportunities

Why This Project Matters

Comuna 13 is one of Medellín’s most culturally vibrant yet historically vulnerable neighborhoods. Despite its transformation in recent years, many young people still face limited opportunities after school: some cannot afford to continue their education, others struggle to find work, and some have abandoned school entirely. Without alternatives, many turn to illegal activities as a quick way to make money.

This program aims to change that by getting children off the streets and introducing them to the potential of the digital world. By connecting with individuals and businesses beyond their local community, participants can access opportunities in the wider world, gain practical skills, and envision new pathways for their future. Through this initiative, COPELI seeks to bridge the digital divide and provide real, lasting opportunities for young people to participate in Colombia’s growing digital economy.

By combining education, technology, and emotional support, this project opens real pathways to stability, employment, and dignity — breaking cycles of poverty and exclusion. More than just a training program, it is a model for empowerment through access and opportunity, and a step forward in COPELI’s global mission to help communities become self-sustaining.

Why COPELI

Ms. Paula Vargas (shown below), our Community Liaison in Medellín, brings over 15 years of experience working directly in Comuna 13 on youth development, education, and community empowerment initiatives. Her leadership and deep local knowledge ensure that the program is authentic, relevant, and effective, co-created with the community it serves.

COPELI’s impact model focuses on sustainability, empowerment, and local collaboration — ensuring that communities become independent rather than dependent on aid. Our success in Tanzania has demonstrated how education and skills training can transform lives. Now, in Medellín, with Paula Vargas leading the effort and trusted local partners on board, we are creating a real path to independence, digital inclusion, and meaningful opportunities for youth.

CURRENT CHALLENGES

To understand the challenges this program seeks to address, the table below outlines the current situation in Comuna 13. It highlights key issues faced by youth, including limited access to digital education, vulnerability to social and economic risks, lack of employment preparation, and unstable income. These baseline indicators provide a foundation for measuring the impact of the 6-month computer literacy and digital skills program.

Issue	Current Estimate	Description
Lack of access to digital literacy and computer training	95%	Most youth in Comuna 13 do not have access to structured computer literacy programs, internet skills training, or exposure to digital tools needed for employment or entrepreneurship
Vulnerability to social and economic risks	80%	Limited education and job opportunities leave youth exposed to illegal activities, crime, and substance abuse, particularly for those who have abandoned school or dropped out after finishing mandatory education
Absence of employment preparation and entrepreneurial support	80%	There are few or no programs providing training in office skills, CV writing, online job applications, or small online business development, limiting access to formal and digital job markets
Unemployment and income instability	60%	Many young people and families in the community lack stable employment or reliable sources of income, reducing opportunities for economic mobility and long-term financial security

Course Structure

This 6-month program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive, step-by-step learning experience in computer literacy and digital skills. Each month focuses on a specific module, gradually building students’ confidence and competence, from basic computer use to practical applications for employment and entrepreneurship. The following table outlines the course modules and their key learning objectives.

Month	Training Focus	Description
1	Introduction to Computers & Digital Safety	Understanding computer parts (keyboard, mouse, screen, CPU), turning on/off a computer, using a mouse and keyboard, creating folders, saving files. Introduction to online safety, responsible digital behavior, and protecting personal information
2	Microsoft Word, Basic Typing & Collaboration	Creating, editing, and formatting documents; typing practice; printing and sharing files. Introduction to collaborative tools such as Google Docs or Word track changes
3	Spreadsheets, Data Organization & Basic Presentations	Using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets: data entry, formulas, formatting, and organizing basic data. Introduction to creating simple presentations using PowerPoint or Google Slides
4	Internet, Email & Communication Skills	Internet safety, searching for information, creating and managing email accounts, sending attachments, using online tools like Google Drive. Digital communication etiquette and collaboration online
5	Digital Entrepreneurship	Introduction to online selling: creating product listings on Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and other platforms; basic digital marketing; customer communication
6	Employment Preparation	Writing CVs and cover letters, creating LinkedIn profiles, searching for online jobs, applying for remote positions such as data entry and virtual assistance

Each module combines practical workshops, supervised practice sessions, and real-life applications. Participants will graduate with the confidence and skills to secure entry-level digital jobs or start their own small online businesses. After completing the course, the program will assist students of working age in securing employment opportunities.

Additionally, all graduates will have ongoing access to the computer room, allowing them to continue practicing their skills, pursue job opportunities, or use it as a workspace if they are already employed.

PROJECT Budget OVERVIEW

Item	Amount (€)	Description
Instructor	4,200	Professional Instructor in Technology and Digital Transformation (€700 per month)
Administrative Staff	600	Coordinating registrations, scheduling, reporting, documentation (€100 per month)
Operational Costs	360	Electricity, internet, maintenance of computer equipment, printing materials, and minor classroom supplies (€60 per month)
Total Project Cost	5,200	Rounded up from €5,160 to account for potential currency fluctuations and contingencies

Fundación Dame La Mano will provide the training room equipped with 30 computers and internet access (image below).

The program is 100% free for all 120 beneficiaries.

Expected Impact

This program is designed to create measurable, positive outcomes for the youth of Comuna 13. By providing access to digital education, practical job skills, and entrepreneurial training, the initiative aims to equip participants with the tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods. The table below outlines the specific goals and the corresponding target impacts that the program strives to achieve.

Goal	Target Impact
Access to Digital Education	120 youth trained in essential computer and internet skills
Employability	At least 60 participants prepared for entry-level administrative or remote digital jobs
Entrepreneurship	30 participants start selling crafts or services online
Community Empowerment	Strengthened resilience, reduced vulnerability to illegal activities, and increased income stability among youth

MONITORING AND EVALUATION PLAN

COPELI is committed to transparency and measurable impact. The program’s success will be tracked through the following indicators:

Indicator	Method of Evaluation	Frequency
Enrollment & Attendance	Registration logs and attendance sheets	Monthly
Module Completion Rate	Participant assessments and certificates	Monthly
Digital Skill Improvement	Pre- and post-course tests	Month 1 and Month 6
Employment or Income Activity	Follow-up interviews and surveys	3 and 6 months post-graduation
Community Feedback	Focus groups with students and families	Mid-term and end of project
Financial Transparency	Monthly expense reports and donor updates	Ongoing

Results will be summarized in our quarterly impact report, shared with donors and partners.

JOIN THE MISSION

Your contribution will directly provide:

Salary for the professional instructor and administrative staff
Access to digital tools and hands-on learning
Training that opens real job opportunities

With your support, we can turn knowledge into opportunity, and opportunity into independence. Muchas gracias!