A new initiative has been launched to integrate African refugees into Italy’s local IT employment market, facilitated by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and led by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) alongside the Accenture Foundation. The program, named “ReadyForIT: Labour Pathways for Refugees,” aims to provide training and job opportunities for refugees, emphasizing the significance of work in restoring dignity and confidence to individuals who have faced immense hardships.
Under the Work Corridors for Refugees program, skilled refugees can enter Italy with valid work visas. However, the ReadyForIT project specifically targets unskilled refugees, focusing on the first 25 participants from various sub-Saharan countries currently residing in Uganda. These individuals have been carefully selected to undergo online training designed to equip them with essential software programming skills, particularly in Java and SQL, as well as to learn the Italian language.
Upon successfully completing their training and passing a final test, these refugees will have the opportunity to migrate safely and formally to Italy, where they will secure work contracts in the IT sector with companies such as Accenture, Aubay, Btinkeeng, Gruppo SCAI, OverIT, Reale ITES, and Valuetech. This program not only offers a pathway to employment but also supports refugees in rebuilding their lives in a new country.
The UNHCR highlights the alarming reality that over 120 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, and human rights violations. Many refugees struggle to find the opportunities necessary to regain their dignity in their first host countries. The ReadyForIT initiative recognizes that training and employment are critical tools for restoring self-worth and fostering a sense of normalcy for those who have been uprooted from their homes.
To ensure the effectiveness of this initiative, the ITC has partnered with Refactory, a local academy in Uganda that focuses on reskilling African tech talent. Refactory prepares candidates for technical interviews with employers, complementing the IT training provided by DevelHope with onsite tech coaching and in-person training sessions on Java. This collaborative approach is designed to maximize the potential of participants and match their skills with the needs of Italian companies.
By creating pathways for refugees to gain valuable skills and enter the workforce, the ReadyForIT project aims to generate mutual benefits for both the refugees and the Italian economy. This initiative serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing pressing global challenges and empowering individuals to reclaim their lives through meaningful work.
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