On September 13, 2025, Incubation Network Africa proudly celebrated the graduation of the very first cohort of the Ripple Project Program at Star Café in Dzaleka. What began as a pilot has now become a story of transformation, hope, and the power of digital learning in our community.
For 20 days, from August 22 to September 12, 2025, seven students gathered every afternoon from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Four students came from Fountain of Hope School’s 2Hr Learning Program, while three were young people connected through Star Café. They all started with different backgrounds, but most shared one thing in common: very little knowledge of computers and the internet.
By the end of the program, their curiosity had turned into skills and skills into confidence. What once felt impossible soon became everyday practice. Our students are now able to design websites, create video games, and produce professional posters using modern AI tools.
A Community Celebration
The graduation ceremony was a colorful and inspiring moment. Students wore gowns and caps, proudly receiving certificates for their achievements. Music, laughter, and applause filled the air as the community came together to celebrate.
During the ceremony, students shared their personal journeys. Rehema, for example, explained that this was her first time using a computer. She said she was proud to now be able to create posters, design websites, and even build a video game. Her story is just one example of the courage and growth we witnessed.
This program has shown that digital skills are for everyone not limited by age, background, or status. It has sparked hope and created demand for more opportunities.
Looking Ahead: The Second Cohort and Beyond
The success of this first pilot is only the beginning. The community is already asking about the second cohort, and as Incubation Network Africa (INA), we are ready to expand.
In the future, we hope to:
- Invest in solar power systems to overcome electricity challenges.
- Transition from desktops to laptops for better flexibility during power cuts.
- Continue providing daily food, as this has proven vital for attendance and motivation.
- Expand the program to include both high school students and graduates, reaching more young people with these life-changing skills.
- Create opportunities for students after graduation, such as advanced training, mentorship, and community projects.
Conclusion
The community is waiting for the second cohort, and at INA, we are committed to expanding the program so that more young people can benefit. Together, we can continue to create ripples of change in Dzaleka and beyond.
If you would like to support this vision, we invite you to contribute through our Donation Button on the website. Every contribution big or small helps us reach more young people with digital skills, provide meals, and sustain this life-changing program.
Wow! This is amazing work! Hoping there will be more cohorts to come and more lives will be impacted!!