Leveraging Microlearning Smartphone technology to upskill Gender diverse, Intersex and Trans people on their own terms

Digital literacy is recognised as a fundamental prerequisite to access good work and follow our own ambitions to feel connected, participate in society and continuously learn and grow.

But many gender diverse folks have always encountered insurmountable barriers.

In the long term, research shows that better connected, more literate and skilled trans and gender -diverse people can better access safe and non-coercive employment. They can test their way out of unsafe and precarious work leveraging a better ability to perform online tasks, write and read emails, use MS Office packages, and grow skills they are interested in.

Upskilling and safely learning empowers participants to fully engage with civic society and the world of work: greater confidence in literacy skills reduces barriers for those in regions with limited educational access and builds pride, self-assurance and autonomy by growing skills using affirming and inclusion-focused content. 

Once our own capstone microlearning prototype app is ready for pilot testing, we will release it with partner associations in 2 target countries: Uganda and South Africa. Stakeholders will invite volunteers to test the app and train them to use it. Our partner organisations will prioritise those who either: a) would benefit the most from this novel approach to safe, self-paced learning or b) have expressed an interest in testing the solution.

An impact chain beyond technology

In the short term, beneficiaries can brush up their literacy and life skills by also improving their digital literacy. For instance, if a person wishes to train as a beautician there will be written learning content and tests they have to comprehend and pass. They can then access online appointment management software and apps to support their work in a salon or as a self-employed trader.

In order to further facilitate upskilling, entrepreneurship and financial independence, the Trans+ Learning Lab is also establishing-country specific and international mentorship networks matching mentors with mentees. We will support newly literate and digitally-upskilled individuals build meaningful connections that can support them in their growth.