Partner Highlight: Using Computer Education to Fight Poverty

Petra Barbu

Petra is a content marketer passionate about social enterprise, impact investing, and microfinance.

Tobby Vision Computers is a vocational institute which aims to inspire young men and women with the knowledge of entrepreneurship, agriculture, computers, information and communication technology (ICT). They strive to solve the problems of computer illiteracy, poverty and unemployment in Cameroon and the world at large. Tobby Vision Computers recently hosted an Experteer, Eduardo, to support the development of new curriculum for an entrepreneurship course.

Experteer Eduardo at the Tobby Vision graduation ceremony.
Experteer Eduardo at the Tobby Vision graduation ceremony.

How does Tobby Vision Computers create social impact?

Tobby Vision Computers creates social impact in two primary ways:

First: We prepare our students for employment and provide training for individuals who have lost their jobs, which not only helps create more sustainable communities, but also helps reduce crime by giving young people the option to develop their talents.

Second: We also help motivate and encourage entrepreneurship so that our communities can create sustainable solutions and their own job opportunities. We have seven programs/courses that impart practical skills to students in addition to the academic knowledge they pick up in school.

Eduardo with some of the staff at Tobby Vision Computers.
Eduardo with some of the staff at Tobby Vision Computers.

Why did you choose to host an Experteer?

We chose to host an Experteer because we believed that Cameroonians as a whole have the right to receive a high-quality education. We needed the Experteer to train our current staff in entrepreneurship, and to help develop the curriculum so that our staff can continue to teach others.

The proud graduates of the Tobby Vision Entrepreneurship Course.
The proud graduates of the Tobby Vision Entrepreneurship Course.

How did the Experteer add value to your organization?

The Experteer helped us develop new ideas and strengthen our team-building skills. The Experteer gave us practical information to help build our entrepreneurship course, and also affected our personal lives and has changed the way we think. It is an experience we would definitely recommend and we plan on working with more MovingWorlds Experteers.

The Tobby Vision staff in action with the students.
The Tobby Vision staff in action with the students.

What advice do you have for finding and working with Experteers?

When looking for an Experteer, make sure to find someone with the right skills and is up-to-date in the skills that you need. For skills-based projects, you need the right person, not just any person. It is also important to find someone who is goal oriented and a good communicator.

Eduardo and students outside the Tobby Vision school with the flag of Cameroon.
Eduardo and students outside the Tobby Vision school with the flag of Cameroon.

Do you have any open opportunities for Experteers?

Yes! We have an opportunity for a business strategy trainer, a computer developer, and an entrepreneurship trainer. Click here for more opportunities in Cameroon, here for opportunities supporting education, and here to see opportunities for Experteers with skills in entrepreneurship and technology.

MOVINGWORLDS.ORG BLOG