Konexio Africa has been recognized with the 9th Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA) for its groundbreaking efforts in leveraging technology to open new avenues for young refugees.
Chosen from a competitive selection of 970 nominations, Konexio Africa was celebrated at a ceremony attended by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The event was organized by The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The award acknowledges the organization as a leading example in humanitarian work, notably for its achievement in providing refugees and at-risk youth with digital skills and linking them to online job opportunities.
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Leading digital inclusion across Africa
Konexio Africa’s flagship Digital Inclusion Programme delivers innovative, job-oriented training solutions to refugee communities across the continent.
The organization’s mission is to close the digital and opportunity gap for underserved talent, with an impressive 84% of participants reporting increased earnings upon graduation.
Launched in Africa in 2019, the programme began in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi. Following its success, Konexio Africa expanded to Kenya in 2021, now supporting urban refugees in Nairobi and those in the Kakuma refugee camp.
The Digital Inclusion Programme aims to foster self-reliance and employment through online freelancing. It provides digital novices with a robust grounding in digital literacy before advancing them to role-specific skills, offering a vital gateway to sustainable employment.
Mr. Fabien de Castilla, Director of Konexio Africa, expressed his appreciation for the award. “This prize is incredibly meaningful. It’s not only for Konexio Africa but also for the over 8,000 individuals we have trained and empowered across Africa in various refugee camps and host communities,” he stated.
He emphasized the real impact of their initiatives, which have significantly improved the lives of numerous families. “Konexio Africa equips refugees and vulnerable youth with digital skills and online opportunities, transforming lives with stable income, food security, and education access for children,” he added.
Looking forward, the organization announced plans to extend its reach to additional regions in Africa and to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) training into its curriculum, further enhancing the skill sets of the communities it serves.
A global stage for humanitarian excellence
SIARA serves as a global stage to celebrate impactful humanitarian efforts that foster resilience, dignity, and opportunity for refugees and displaced populations across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The award continues to broaden its global impact, spotlighting outstanding models in education, health, skills development, and social empowerment, reaffirming the UAE’s and Sharjah’s enduring dedication to promoting humanitarian excellence.
During the ceremony, it was also announced that The Big Heart Foundation will release a second film following the success of their first documentary, “The Story of a Neighborhood,” which has been selected for 25 film festivals, winning 5 awards and receiving 9 nominations. Additionally, nominations for the 10th SIARA award are now open.
