The Dadaab refugee camp, located in Kenya, is home to over 200,000 refugees. Despite the challenging living conditions, the camp is a hub of entrepreneurial activity, with many refugees engaging in various income-generating activities, including digital freelancing. To support the freelancers in the camp, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and Emobilis organized a study tour to share knowledge and experiences on digital freelancing.
The study tour brought together a group of 15 freelancers from Dadaab and took place for six days. It was aimed at equipping the group with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital freelancing space. who traveled to Nairobi, Kenya's capital city. In Nairobi, they met with established freelancers, entrepreneurs, and experts in digital freelancing. During the tour, the Dadaab freelancers gained a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help them succeed in their digital freelancing careers.
One of the key takeaways from the tour was the importance of building a strong online presence. The freelancers in Dadaab learned that having a professional website and a strong presence on social media can help them find clients and show off their skills. They also learned about the importance of using search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve their online visibility and increase their chances of being found by potential clients.
Another key takeaway from the tour was the importance of collaboration and networking. Members of the Dadaab Collective Freelancing Agency had the opportunity to network with other freelancers and industry experts, exchanging ideas and building relationships that will be beneficial in their future endeavors. This networking opportunity also allowed the group to gain a deeper understanding of the digital freelancing industry, its trends, and best practices.
Another important lesson learned during the study tour was the importance of diversifying skills and income streams. Members of the Dadaab Collective Freelancing Group were encouraged to develop multiple skills to increase their earning potential. This meant that the group would not be limited to a particular skill or service, but rather have a range of skills that would make them more versatile and appealing to potential clients.
Overall, the study tour was a resounding success. The Dadaab freelancers returned to the camp with new skills, knowledge, and inspiration, which they will use to build successful digital freelancing careers. The tour also helped to highlight the resilience and creativity of the refugee community in Dadaab and the potential for digital freelancing to provide economic opportunities and empowerment.
In conclusion, the study tour organized by NRC and Emobilis was a great success, equipping members of the Dadaab Collective Freelancing agency with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital freelancing industry. The tour emphasized the importance of collaboration, networking, and diversifying skills and income streams while also providing practical experience with the latest digital tools and technologies. With the skills and experience gained during the tour, members of the Dadaab Collective Freelancing Agency are poised for even greater success in the digital freelancing space.
Author: Hassan Aden Issack
Wonderful article! indeed the tour was resourceful and educative, I enjoyed reading this golden piece of article, Thank you Hassan.
Excellent