Digital literacy for youth
While many of our youth are eager to step into this digital landscape, a significant number find themselves hindered by a lack of access to education and training.
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While many of our youth are eager to step into this digital landscape, a significant number find themselves hindered by a lack of access to education and training.
Economic managers agree that inclusivity is important for economic progress. There are many ways to ensure inclusion, and one effective method is to provide digital literacy training to everyone, regardless of their background.
Doing so will provide them with the skills they need to cope in a technology-driven economy. The government should ensure that opportunities are available to young Filipinos. Companies’ demand for skills that provide adaptability and innovation in the workforce is higher than ever.
However, while many of our youth are eager to step into this digital landscape, a significant number find themselves hindered by a lack of access to education and training.
Solid North Partylist Rep. Ching Bernos called attention to the need for comprehensive digital literacy training for Filipino youth not currently enrolled in higher education. In her recent call to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), she noted how targeted training programs could empower those young individuals to secure jobs in the burgeoning digital economy.
The gap between the skills companies seek and the skill sets our youth possess continues to widen. By investing in digital literacy, we are not just providing work opportunities, we are equipping our youth with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing job market.
Most senior high school graduates feel the weight of potential and ambition tempered by financial constraints. The harsh reality is that for countless young Filipinos, higher education remains out of reach. The limited number of available scholarships further exacerbates this issue, leaving many talented individuals stranded at the crossroads of aspiration and opportunity. This is where the role of TESDA becomes crucial.
Bernos’ wish to expand training programs is not just a governmental responsibility, it is a necessity. By focusing on digital and information technology courses such as digital marketing, artificial intelligence, web development and content creation, we are opening doors to better roles for our youth. These skills are not merely beneficial, they are needed in the job market.
By providing these training programs, we address the immediate needs of a generation eager for hope and direction while also preparing them to make valuable contributions to the economy.
As Bernos aptly stated, “With the help of the government, they can cling to the hope that they can save to fulfill their dreams of finishing their studies.”
While digital literacy training may not be suitable for everyone in the same way, it represents a positive move toward better opportunities. That is why it is vital for TESDA to actively target students who have not had the same educational or technological opportunities as others. Ensuring access to digital skills training can help them unlock their potential.
We must invest in youth education to shape a business environment where everyone can pursue their dreams. With the right support, guidance and training, these young people can learn how to thrive in an innovative world.
