Digital Empowerment: How Ed Tech Integration with JA DEEP is Empowering Learners

We are pleased to announce Anjiro Initiative’s partnership with YMCA Madagascar, which supports Malagasy youth through seminars, training sessions, and workshops on personal development and leadership. Our joint aim is to inspire young people to contribute positively to a brighter future.

From March to June, YMCA Madagascar is hosting the JA DEEP program, facilitated by Junior Achievement Africa, on its virtual skills platform. JA DEEP is an interactive online entrepreneurship program tailored for young African learners, including those in regions without JA presence. The program empowers participants to explore entrepreneurship, guiding them through business creation, development, marketing, and financial management, with support from JA volunteers. Consisting of eight modules, each with brief, flexible micro-sessions, the program offers practical knowledge and quizzes to reinforce learning.

Thirty-three Anjiro Initiative university students from Madagascar are participating in the JA DEEP program: one from the University of Mantasoa, three from the University of Toamasina, four from the University of Antsirinala, and 25 from the University of Antananarivo. Students in Antananarivo and Antsirinala attend sessions at YMCA centers, while those in Toamasina join via Zoom, and the Mantasoa student accesses the course remotely. We cover all associated expenses, including transportation and connectivity fees.

Currently, most students are progressing through modules 3 to 6. Notably, Valisoa, a second-year economics undergraduate, has completed the program and obtained her certificate. Below, find a brief excerpt from our conversation with Valisoa upon her completion of the JA DEEP training course, along with accompanying photos.

What is JA DEEP?
JA DEEP is a training program focused on entrepreneurship.

What made you follow this training?
I did this training because I wanted to become a professional entrepreneur and be able to build my own company.

Is there an attitude needed to be an entrepreneur?
Yes, you need to have the courage to accomplish what you want to do, work hard, keep going, and not give up easily because all entrepreneurs face problems.

Reasons why some entrepreneurs are not successful?
- Lack of management skills
- Lack of experience
- Absence of financial support or a solid business plan
- Failure to understand customer needs and market conditions

Steps to follow to succeed in entrepreneurship:
- Define your business idea
- Raise funds by reducing certain expenses: “bootstrap”
- Survey customer needs through “brainstorming” with friends, family, or neighbors
- Develop an action plan
- Improve communication skills to engage with donors and customers

Can everyone be an entrepreneur?
Yes

Do you want to be an entrepreneur? And what do you want to do?
Yes, I want to collect products from rural areas.

“JA DEEP’s training gave me hope that I can fulfill my dreams of becoming an entrepreneur,” said Valisoa.