Where did this toolkit for DDT come from?
In 2013 the Rockefeller Foundation launched the Digital Jobs Africa initiative. The purpose of this initiative was to influence employers to intentionally hire, train and place underemployed groups, specifically the youth, in ICT related work. This work is generally found in what is termed outsourced work, i.e. work that organisations give to outside parties to perform on their behalf.
While this is most often understood to be call- or contact-centres there are a number of other services that can be outsourced.
This socially responsible placement process is called impact sourcing.
Social responsibility may play a role but there are case studies to show that the practice:
- makes very good business sense, especially in retainment or churn and reliability
- that the young people can contribute to a multiplier effect in their communities
- ensures that young people also benefit beyond placement – they become part of the labour market, develop confidence and go on to develop themselves further
The Rockefeller Foundation commissioned Making Cents International to identify best practices, and influence and upscale DDT funders and providers based the experiences of the Digital Jobs Africa initiative. They analysed the best practices of the DDT providers involved in the initiative.
This led to the publication of Scaling Demand-Driven Training Programs: A Framework and subsequently the toolkit that was launched on 19 October 2017 in Johannesburg.