On May 14 and 15, 2024, Harness All Possibilities Bahamas (HAP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing career-building tools and information to underserved communities, organized a transformative workshop for teen moms at the PACE Programme at the Andrea Archer Institute. Hosted by Microsoft's Everyone Can Code workshop platform, this event marked a significant step toward empowering young mothers through technology education.
Comprehensive Tech Training and Mentorship
The program offered 21 teen moms a comprehensive introductory workshop covering essential coding skills and fostering a growth mindset necessary for success in the technology sector. Participants delved into artificial intelligence (AI), coding, and digital literacy through classroom instruction and hands-on training. The attendees benefited from individual and group support provided by a team from Microsoft, alongside female facilitators from the technology and business community, including Cloud Carib, and teachers from the PACE Programme who learned alongside their students.
Sonia Brown, President of the PACE Foundation, remarked on the exceptional opportunity, noting, "This initiative is pivotal in workforce readiness for our students. We look forward to deepening this partnership to continue offering exposure to cutting-edge technology."
Empowering Teen Moms with Tech Skills
The workshop introduced the young women to the myriad career possibilities within the digital workforce, equipping them with in-demand skills for an increasingly tech-centered job market. Rhonda Eldridge, founder of HAP and a chartered accountant and social entrepreneur with vast experience in alternative investments, fintech, blockchain, and digital assets, along with program facilitators Sandra Darville, Jonnell Russell, and PACE teachers, delivered inspiring messages about embracing the tech industry in today's global economy.
"Digital learning has the potential to revolutionize the Bahamian workforce by providing new opportunities and breaking down traditional barriers to education and employment. Empowering young women, especially teen mothers, with technology skills equips them to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market and opens doors to economic independence and stability," said Rhonda Eldridge, founder of HAP.
Holistic Development and Support
Beyond technical skills, the program emphasized developing soft skills such as solid communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, all crucial for enhancing employability and success in the workforce. HAP's computer donation campaign equipped participants with laptops to complete their assignments, which they could keep, jumpstarting their journeys as professionals in the technology industry.
Community Effort and Impact
This impactful event resulted from a robust community effort supported by more than 20 firms and individuals from The Bahamas and the United States. Cloud Carib generously provided the physical space for the workshop in Nassau.
Feedback from the participants highlighted the program's success: 81% rated it as "good," "very good," or "excellent," 86% found the content relevant to their goals, and over 90% said they would recommend the workshop to others.
Breaking Barriers and Building Futures
By offering tailored technology education, Harness All Possibilities aims to break down existing barriers to education and employment, empowering teenage mothers to achieve economic independence and stability. This event exemplifies the power of community and technology to transform lives, opening doors to a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
For more information on HAP and its initiatives, visit harnessap.org/
