Future perfect Kenya has launched an online training initiative to provide digital skills to 50 000 youngsters across the country. According to the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI), one of the facilitators of Open P-TECH for Africa, the programme will target youths aged 14 to 20 and give them access to emerging technology ‘designed to help them leapfrog to a better future’. Open P-TECH, co-developed by IBM and educators, is a free digital learning platform for students, as well as their parents and teachers, aimed at arming the youth with the soft and hard skills that will prepare them for future employment. The skills range from mindfulness, AI, cloud computing, blockchain and cybersecurity. AFRALTI plans to use its network of volunteers, trainers and teachers to roll out the programme across Kenya. Training will be both online and in person where possible. Participants are required to complete 20 hours of training before they receive certificates and internationally recognised digital badges through the programme. 16 February 2021 Image: Gallo/Getty Images