CITAD, with funding support from ActionAid Nigeria through the Partnership and Local Rights Programme (P&LRP), organized a three-day ICT Refresher Training for community members at the ICT Centre in Kaida Sabo, Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT.

Duration: Three (3) Days

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily

Johnson Maichibi Musa, Sponsorship Officer, 08060947171

Yesmin Salako, Programme Officer, 08132762007

(total number of male, female and PWDs)

Female= 14

PWDs =

(Did you submit all financial documents with regards to your activity?)

All financial documents relating to the activity, including payment vouchers, receipts, attendance register, procurement records and other supporting documents, have been compiled and submitted in line with CITAD and ActionAid Nigeria financial reporting guidelines.

Pre-Training Findings

• Many participants had forgotten several computer skills acquired during previous ICT trainings.
• Participants had limited confidence in operating computers independently.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word formatting and file management required reinforcement.
• Most participants had limited practical experience using the internet and email.

Post-Training Findings

• Participants demonstrated significant improvement in computer operation and file management.
• Confidence in creating, editing and formatting Microsoft Word documents increased considerably.
• Participants completed practical exercises independently with minimal guidance.
• Although the Internet and Online Communication module could not be fully completed due to network challenges, participants demonstrated improved understanding of internet concepts and expressed readiness for additional practical sessions once connectivity improves.

Overall, the assessment indicated that the refresher training successfully strengthened participants’ digital knowledge and practical ICT competencies.

(detailed report of activity)

The training was organized to reinforce digital literacy skills previously acquired by community members and improve their confidence in using computers for education, business, communication and everyday activities. Twenty-five participants attended the training and actively participated throughout the three-day exercise.

The training covered four major modules:

• Introduction to Information and Communication Technology (ICT), including basic concepts and terminology.
• Computer Fundamentals and File Management, focusing on computer operations, folders, files and storage devices.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Word), including document creation, editing, formatting and printing.
• Internet and Online Communication, covering internet browsing, online searches and email communication.

The facilitators adopted participatory training methodologies that combined presentations, demonstrations, practical hands-on exercises, group interactions and question-and-answer sessions. This approach enabled participants to practice every lesson immediately after each presentation, thereby improving comprehension and retention.

Participants showed a high level of enthusiasm and actively engaged in all practical sessions. They demonstrated renewed confidence in operating computers and expressed interest in participating in more advanced ICT courses.

However, the Internet and Online Communication practical session was affected by poor network connectivity. Although a newly installed MTN telecommunications mast now serves the community, it currently operates on a 3G network while the ICT Centre router is configured for 4G connectivity. This incompatibility resulted in slow internet speed, preventing participants from completing practical online exercises effectively.

Community leaders informed the training team that discussions are ongoing with the telecommunications contractor regarding an upgrade of the mast from 3G to 4G. The contractor has reportedly responded positively, indicating that the upgrade is expected to take place soon.

Despite this challenge, the overall objectives of the refresher training were substantially achieved, particularly in strengthening participants’ practical ICT competencies and promoting continued utilization of the ICT Centre.

• Participants appreciated the practical and interactive approach adopted during the training.
• They requested regular refresher courses to reinforce existing knowledge.
• Participants expressed interest in learning Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Graphic Design, Artificial Intelligence tools, and Digital Entrepreneurship.
• Participants appreciated the availability of the ICT Centre and encouraged CITAD to continue supporting digital literacy initiatives within the community.

Recommendations

• Organize advanced ICT training programmes for community members.
• Conduct a follow-up practical session on Internet and Online Communication after the network upgrade.
• Facilitate the upgrade of the community MTN mast from 3G to 4G to improve internet connectivity.
• Continue periodic refresher trainings to sustain participants’ digital competencies.
• Expand the ICT curriculum to include additional digital and entrepreneurial skills relevant to employment and business development.

• Twenty-five community members completed the three-day ICT refresher training.
• Participants demonstrated improved practical skills in computer operation, file management and Microsoft Word.
• Confidence in using computers for education, business and personal activities increased significantly.
• Community members expressed strong interest in pursuing additional digital skills training.
• The activity strengthened community ownership and utilization of the ICT Centre.
• Continued engagement between the community and the telecommunications contractor has created optimism that internet connectivity challenges will soon be resolved through the planned upgrade of the MTN mast from 3G to 4G.
• The training further advanced the programme’s objective of promoting digital inclusion, economic empowerment and community participation in an increasingly digital society.