Nokia, UNICEF & Orange Foundation collaborate to strengthen Moroccan youth

Rabat, Morocco – Rabat, Morocco – Rabat, Morocco – Rab Nokia has launched a cooperation with UNICEF and the Orange Foundation to provide digital, entrepreneurial, and environmental skills to underserved young people in Morocco, particularly girls. This project builds on Nokia’s current partnership with UNICEF in several countries around the world.

Naseem Awl, Representative Ad-Interim at UNICEF Morocco, said: “This program shows the value of different partners – both public and private–in coming together in support of young people and the development of their skills. Nokia is contributing important direct support but also engaging directly through its employees along with Orange Morocco’s with young people in sharing their time, expertise, and mentorship. We, at UNICEF Morocco, see this as a positive example for sustainable programs for young people that are rooted in national strategies for impact and strengthened with innovation and community engagement.”

Hendrick Kasteel, CEO at Orange Morocco, said: “The Orange Foundation is proud to join this program alongside UNICEF and Nokia with the objective of developing digital skills and promoting the professional integration of marginalized young Moroccans. Convinced of our experience to help them build their professional know-how, we will provide these young project leaders training in digital skills that are essential for the design of their projects and coach them to achieve their objectives with the help of Orange employees in skills sponsorship.”

Pierre Chaume, VP, North and West Africa Market Unit at Nokia, said: “We believe in the power of collaboration to drive development, and are proud to team up with Orange Foundation to support our partner UNICEF’s flagship program, UPSHIFT, in Morocco. By together focusing on youth social innovation and entrepreneurship, we will empower underprivileged youth and equip them with digital, entrepreneurial and green skills.” 

The UPSHIFT initiative will help young people become more resilient citizens who participate more actively in their homes, schools, and daily lives while also contributing to the economy. Its goal is to help them support and give back to their communities while also boosting their productivity through work or self-employment. The World Bank‘s Solutions for Youth Employment portfolio includes the UPSHIFT social innovation and enterprise program.

At least 1,400 young people, at least 60% of whom will be girls, will have received training in transferable skills such as teamwork, self-esteem, creativity, and communication by the end of the program. They will also be assisted in developing digital skills and increasing their understanding of climate change issues. The social innovation curriculum will benefit at least 500 young people, and about 250 young people will be assisted in generating projects to begin youth-led companies.

Through its Foundation, Orange Morocco will collaborate to help and train young people participating in the UPSHIFT program. Its employees will also contribute to the program at various phases in areas such as digital skills.

The Ministry of Education (Second Chance Schools initiative) and the Ministry of Youth will collaborate closely on the project (Youth Houses and Women centers).