Call for Participation: Join the Digital Skills Observatory in Kenya

Mozilla is partnering with Digital Divide Data (DDD) to create the Digital Skills Observatory: a research initiative which seeks to understand learning, digital skills, and digital financial services in Kenya. We will engage 150 first-time smartphone users in Kenya as they discover and use new technology and the Internet. Responding to their needs and aspirations, we will create software and curriculum to enhance participants’ learning experiences and better understand how mobile technology can be used and taught in diverse, disparate, and remote communities.
This multidisciplinary project demands the talent of Mozilla’s extended community of volunteers, and its desire to learn from and teach one another. We need enthusiastic researchers, software prototypers, curriculum designers, and event organizers to make this project a success. But, most importantly, we need volunteers with open minds and a fascination for research and people.
15732646717_c9d8e5a2a0_oSpecifically, we need volunteers who are

  • living in one of the five research sites (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Vihiga, or Kilifi),
  • passionate about research, DFS and digital skills,
  • able to contribute and engage for most of 2016, and
  • able to participate in three meetups in 2016.

Currently, we are gathering interest from community members for all kinds of participation. Unfortunately, due to the scope of the project, we can’t accept and integrate everyone who applies, but we will be interviewing applicants to see if they’re a good fit for the team. To attend the bootcamp, your application must be submitted by Sunday, January 10, 2016.
IMG_1210You can find out more about the roles we have in mind by reading over the project introduction. If you think you have the skills, experience, and motivation to contribute to this project over the course of 2016, fill out this survey to tell us about yourself and your interest in the project.
We hope you’ll be able to help us learn about mobile technology and its impact on the lives of real people in Kenya.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!