Digital Literacy Programmes and Job Acquisition Among Mumbai Slum Youth in South Sudan: A Comparative Analysis

Digital literacy programmes have gained prominence as a tool for empowering youth in various socioeconomic contexts. In Mumbai slums of India, these programmes are designed to enhance digital skills and prepare young people for employment opportunities. This study extends this concept to similar settings in South Sudan where the population is grappling with significant socio-economic challenges. This survey research employs structured questionnaires distributed among participants aged 15-24 years from both Mumbai slums and corresponding areas in South Sudan. Data collection covers a period of six months, with specific attention to digital literacy proficiency levels and job acquisition success rates. A notable finding is the higher proportion (38%) of youth who have successfully acquired jobs using their enhanced digital skills compared to those without such programmes (20%). This suggests that digital literacy programmes can significantly boost employment opportunities in challenging socio-economic environments. The findings underscore the potential of digital literacy initiatives as a viable strategy for improving job acquisition rates among marginalized youth. Future research should focus on replicating these results and evaluating longer-term impacts. Based on this study, it is recommended that governments and non-governmental organizations invest in comprehensive digital literacy programmes tailored to local needs, especially in regions facing significant socio-economic challenges.