UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, has launched FunDoo, a free skilling platform accessible via mobile phones to equip young Ugandans with essential 21st-century skills.
The initiative, integrated within the U-Report platform, aims to bridge the gap between education and employability by offering bite-sized lessons on crucial soft skills.
Fatuma Namukose, a Social Behaviour Change specialist at UNICEF and manager of U-Report, emphasized the importance of such skills in today’s work environment.
“Our education helps us get jobs, but soft skills help us get promotions, thrive, and work better with our colleagues,” she explained.
The FunDoo platform provides lessons on communication, adaptability, teamwork, and empathy, among other workplace skills.
It is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to all, regardless of phone type or internet connectivity.
“Whether you have a basic feature phone or the latest smartphone, you can access FunDoo,” Namukose noted, assuring young people that “your airtime will not be deducted, and you don’t need internet to learn.”
To further support youth development, UNICEF and the Ministry of Gender have also introduced a six-month webinar series, starting on March 27, featuring industry experts who will break down key employability skills.
“We want young people to understand the importance of 21st-century skills and how they can be applied at school, work, and home,” Namukose said.
Signing up for FunDoo is straightforward. Users can send the word “FunDoo” via SMS to 8500 or via WhatsApp at 0709 168500.
Those with smartphones can also download the U-Report app from the Play Store or App Store to access the platform.
UNICEF remains committed to ensuring that young people transition successfully from learning to earning.
“We are not just teaching skills, we are helping young people prepare for the workplace and excel in life,” Namukose concluded.
For more details on how to enrol, visit the U-Report platform or sign up via the provided contact channels.