Product Description

Objectives:
1. To provide vocational training in computer repair and maintenance to underprivileged youth.
2. To equip the participants with the skills to diagnose and troubleshoot common computer hardware and software issues.
3. To enable the participants to offer computer repair and maintenance services to generate sustainable income.
4. To foster entrepreneurship and technical skills among the target beneficiaries.

Target Beneficiaries:
The project will target 20-25 underprivileged youth, with a focus on high school graduates and school dropouts from low-income households.

Project Activities:
1. Computer Lab Setup: Acquire a set of used/refurbished desktop computers and establish a dedicated computer repair training lab.
2. Computer Hardware and Software Training: Conduct a 3-month intensive training program to teach the participants about computer components, operating systems, diagnostic tools, and repair techniques.
3. Hands-on Repair and Maintenance: Provide practical experience in cleaning, upgrading, and troubleshooting various computer hardware and software issues.
4. Business and Entrepreneurship Skills: Train the participants in customer service, pricing, marketing, and basic business management for computer repair services.
5. Internships and Apprenticeships: Facilitate internships or apprenticeships with local computer repair shops to help the participants gain practical experience.
6. Certification and Placement Assistance: Support the participants in obtaining relevant industry certifications and assist them in finding employment or starting their own computer repair enterprises.

Project Budget (for 25 participants):
– Computer lab setup (desktops, tools, etc.): $8,000
– Training materials and consumables: $1,500
– Trainer fees and program coordination: $2,500
– Internship/apprenticeship stipends: $1,200
– Certification exam fees and placement support: $800
Total Budget: $14,000

Key Needs and Challenges:
1. Acquiring Used/Refurbished Computers: Sourcing a sufficient number of affordable, functional used/refurbished desktop computers for the training lab.
2. Ensuring Skill Relevance: Keeping the curriculum and training up-to-date with the latest computer hardware and software trends.
3. Practical Experience and Internships: Securing meaningful internship and apprenticeship opportunities for the participants to gain hands-on experience.
4. Certification and Job Placement: Helping the participants obtain industry-recognized certifications and connecting them with potential employers or self-employment opportunities.
5. Sustainable Business Model: Guiding the participants to establish viable and sustainable computer repair service enterprises.

Sustainability and Impact:
The project aims to equip the participants with marketable technical skills in computer repair and maintenance that can generate sustainable income. The participants will be encouraged to form cooperatives or small enterprises to continue the training and repair service activities beyond the project duration. The increased household income and entrepreneurial spirit will lead to greater socioeconomic empowerment of the youth, contributing to their overall development.

Monitoring and Evaluation:
The project’s progress will be monitored through regular field visits, participant feedback, and periodic review meetings. Key performance indicators will include the number of youth trained, certifications obtained, enterprises established, and the income generated through computer repair services.