Goodwall executives attending launch of a skills initiative on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Davos.
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AI offers humanity unprecedented augmentation, but we risk irreversibly deepening the digital divide. Together with Microsoft, Goodwall is urgently equipping the next generation with AI fluency, so that everyone everywhere benefits from the Intelligent Age.
Goodwall & Microsoft are coming together to equip young people with the skills they need for the future of work.
Over the past eight years there’s been a 323% rise in AI technical hiring. Within the last year we’ve seen a 142x global increase in professionals listing AI aptitude skills to their resumes.
By 2027 AI is expected to create nearly 70 million new jobs, but these opportunities will only be available to those with the skills to seize them. To address this challenge and level the playing field for young people globally, Goodwall worked with Microsoft to launch the GenAI for Youth Program.
The initiative provides nano-learning experiences to demystify AI, inspire young people, and equip them with skills to use AI for learning, creativity, and career growth – no matter where they are in the world.
“This program is about equipping young people with the foundational AI skills they need to thrive in the digital economy,” said Goodwall co-founder and CEO, Taha Bawa. “By meeting youth where they are, we’re making AI more inclusive, empowering them to shape their future, and preparing them for the intelligence age.”
AI is set to be one of the biggest disruptors we’ve seen in our lifetime. Amid growing AI anxiety and global industry shake-ups, it’s crucial to show young people that jobs won’t be taken by AI itself but by those who know how to use AI effectively.
Goodwall members Taha and Omar Bawa with Microsoft representative during launch of a skills initiative.
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“The launch of our GenAI for Youth program is all about making sure the next generation has the AI skills they need, especially those who might not have easy access to these opportunities," said Kate Behncken, Global Head of Microsoft Philanthropies.
“By bringing this program to life, we’re teaching young people – no matter where they are – important digital and AI skills. Helping to open up more local job opportunities and career paths in the new AI economy.”
GenAI for Youth provides gamified, bite-sized challenges to teach foundational concepts like AI algorithms and their potential for innovation and the future of work. The program, that is now live across the Global South, focuses on accessibility, requiring no prior technical expertise, and offers localised challenges tailored to specific regions starting with Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Through developer-focused challenges, experiential learning, and community-driven partnerships, young people will be enabled to explore AI and directly apply that knowledge in a practical and empowering way.
"AI offers humanity unprecedented augmentation, but we risk irreversibly deepening the digital divide. Together with Microsoft, we are urgently equipping the next generation with AI fluency, so that everyone everywhere benefits from the Intelligent Age." - Taha Bawa