In the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, Jospin Hassan didn't have access to the educational opportunities he wanted, so he decided to create his own.
Hassan realized that the growing fields of data science and artificial intelligence could bring job opportunities to his community and help address local challenges. After being accepted into the 2020-21 cohort of the Certificate Program in Computer and Data Science from MIT Refugee Action Hub (ReACT), Hassan began sharing MIT knowledge and skills with other eager learners in Dzaleka.
MIT ReACT is now called Emerging Talent, part of the Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL) at MIT Open Learning. Currently serving its fifth group of global learners, Emerging Talent’s year-long certificate program includes high-quality computer science and data analysis courses from MITx, professional skill-building, hands-on learning, apprenticeship work, and networking opportunities with MIT’s global community of innovators. Hassan’s group improved their leadership skills through interactive online workshops with J-WEL and the 10-week online MIT Innovation Leadership Bootcamp.
“My biggest takeaway was networking, collaboration, and learning from each other,” Hassan says.
Today, Hassan’s organization, ADAI Circle, offers mentorship and education programs for young people and other job seekers in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp. The curriculum promotes hands-on learning and collaboration.
Launched in 2020, ADAI Circle aims to create jobs and reduce poverty in Malawi through technology and innovation. In addition to their classes in data science, AI, software development, and hardware design, their Innovation Hub provides internet access to anyone in need.
Doing something different in the community
Hassan first thought of his organization in 2018 when he faced a barrier in his own education journey. There were several programs in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp teaching learners how to code websites and mobile apps, but Hassan felt they were limited in scope.