For over six decades, Canadians have joined Cuso International in tackling poverty and inequality across the globe. Now, they’re helping empower communities through digital inclusion—bridging gaps, sparking innovation, and building lasting resilience.
Whether it’s Black Friday or Cyber Monday, trends and consumption command our attention every day. We can often take for granted how much is at our fingertips, from the newest technology to state-of-the-art classes to hone digital skills. But this is not the reality for everyone. And for many in underserved communities around the world, including girls and women, the divide is even greater. Helping bridge this gap is Cuso International. By working together with local organizations, Cuso is helping enable faster access to markets, innovation, and entrepreneurship, especially for youth and women.
This includes Cuso’s TechWomen Factory project, which trained students in data science, web development, and digital arts in Cameroon. Working with a local organization, the project mainly assisted women 18–35 years old by adding a high level of digital competency to their existing credentials.
Tatiane, 29, is one of these women. From an early age Tatiane had a passion for cinema. Despite challenges she faced, she fought to be among the best in school.
She joined Cuso’s program, developing skills in digital art, particularly video editing. Now graduated, she works as a filmmaker and producer on various projects. She produced her first short film, La Tâche, which highlights the issue of child marriage, and she leads associations for women technicians in film. She dreams of becoming a major director and producer like Ava DuVernay.
Another participant, Matchim Kouan Lucrece Jacky, 24, saw how malaria was a disease that kills millions of people yearly and took the challenge to work on a solution. She acquired a masters degree in epidemiology with the sole purpose of becoming a leader in the public health system at the World Bank.
Now graduated from the data science program at TechWomen Factory, Matchim believes she has the necessary skills to analyse the data and evaluate the risk factors of malaria to help people, either in Cameroon or the Ivory Coast, the other country she plans on helping with her research.
“When people have the right digital tools, they can overcome traditional barriers and unlock new possibilities.”
In 2026, Cuso plans on starting a project that will help strengthen the confidence, skills, and ambitions of young girls in Cameroon by training 80 underprivileged youth — many girls aged 15 to 18 — in key technology skills, including hands-on workshops in programming, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, 3D modelling, and electronics, all while connecting them with real opportunities and encouraging peer mentorship in schools. Like Tatiane and Matchim, this new generation of girls will have more opportunities to dream bigger about what’s possible. And it’s all possible thanks to Cuso’s donors.
For $125, a girl from an underprivileged background can access one month training in key technology skills. But the Cuso effect doesn’t stop there, because she will also positively influence others in her school, in her community, and ultimately inspire more girls and women to enter the digital field.
Access to digital tools can be transformational: socially, professionally, and personally. Whether it’s this project in Cameroon or supporting women and girls in STEM in Jamaica or in Ethiopia, Cuso knows the importance of creating safe spaces for learning, leadership, and self-expression. Canadians can play a role in this. When we share skills, we build better futures for everyone.
This Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Giving Tuesday, #UPGRADEALIFE, not your phone.
*Suggested amounts are examples based on the actual costs of a one-month intensive tech course for youth in Cameroon. Costs may vary from country to country, and your donation will go where the need is greatest.