Help disabled Thai with IT work-study program

Let me address our most frequently asked question: What does DigiServe actually do?

This is often the first question people ask when they hear about our work, and they frequently ask it again in follow-up conversations. Our work is unique, both in what we do and how we began. Simply put, we equip Thai non-profits with technology solutions and provide technology training to disadvantaged Thai people.

These two missions complement each other perfectly. As we implement technology solutions, we train people to use them effectively. We've even trained some individuals in programming so they can help develop more solutions. While we have various approaches to these core activities, our goal is to help organizations and individuals use technology more effectively. For organizations, we aim to expand their reach. For the disabled, we aim to expand their opportunities. 

After discussing what we do, the second most frequently asked question is, “What is the impact of your work?” This question is more challenging to answer, as measuring impact can be complex.

This year, we have achieved the following:

- Total unique people served in trainings: 60

- Total unique classes held: 21

- Total times we served partners (excluding trainings): 30

While these numbers reflect our activities, the true impact is more subjective. For instance, Children’s Homes save time during government reviews thanks to the documented activities in our Child at Risk System. Sponsors receive valuable updates about the children benefiting from scholarships through our Education Matters app. Additionally, our trainees are now better equipped to pursue a wider range of job opportunities, and apprentices are prepared to enter entirely new industries thanks to their training.We aim to expand our reach in these vital areas. However, a major challenge we face is the lack of computers available at the locations where these individuals reside. To overcome this barrier, we are seeking funding for 10 laptops to serve as portable training stations, allowing us to bring the training directly to those who need it most.

To illustrate the impact, here’s a comment from Mr. Ball: “The ITF training was incredibly beneficial. The basic IT knowledge I gained is comprehensive and provides a solid foundation. If another training session is offered at DigiServe, I would definitely like to participate.”

What's coming in 2025?

As we wrap up 2024, we're excited to look ahead to the new year and our commitment to empowering disabled adults through IT skills training. In addition to our popular week-long public classes, we are revamping our intensive apprenticeship program, reducing its duration to just six months. This change will accelerate our students' job readiness and enable us to support even more individuals in their professional journeys.

We are also planning to broaden our training to address the critical gap in IT skills among vulnerable populations, such as at-risk women and those transitioning from challenging situations. The lack of these essential skills limits their opportunities for stable employment and self-reliance, often leaving them trapped in precarious circumstances.

Furthermore, children living in Children’s Homes frequently lack access to meaningful IT skills training and other educational resources. Without these skills, they face significant disadvantages when pursuing higher education or entering the workforce after they leave the Home.

We aim to expand our reach in these vital areas. However, a major challenge we face is the lack of computers available at the locations where these individuals reside. To overcome this barrier, we are seeking funding for 10 laptops to serve as portable training stations, allowing us to bring the training directly to those who need it most.

Thank you for your partnership with us. We are very grateful for a fruitful 2024 and are looking ahead to even a better 2025!

Dear Friend, 

As we mentioned in the last update, there are more disabled people interested in IT training outside of our city. Most are not able to travel to our training center so we have been adapting our lessons to use online. Recently, we even adapted our timing of the online IT Fundamentals (ITF) classes for one group of working adults who were willing to do the lessons on public holidays instead of normal weekdays. Over the months of June and July, we had about 20 students participating in our classes. (picture 1&2)

Our training staff also helped some local organizations with IT support such as upgrading their operating systems. (picture 3)

During this time, one of the apprentices accepted a project from a local social welfare organization to build them a website to promote products that specifically help their program beneficiaries. He completed the website design and it is now in the process of being deployed. Because of his success with this project, he already has another one to work on. (picture 4)

Thank you for your partnership with DigiServe.