About the Project

The Tech4SM project focuses on designing a tailored curriculum specifically for young single mothers (YSMs) that addresses their unique needs and challenges while also tackling broader issues within the TVET sector in Rwanda and Kenya. Our approach is two-fold: first, we employ a design thinking methodology to guide curriculum development, and second, we build on key thematic areas to structure the content. Given that the challenges at hand are complex and multifaceted—classified as “wicked problems” —we have chosen an iterative and co-creative process to design and implement the curriculum. Through participatory research with YSMs, VET sector and industry stakeholders, we will iteratively prototype, test, and refine both the ICT-based curriculum and its pedagogical strategies. In terms of delivery, we will consider a range of innovative approaches such as blended learning, competency-based education, project-based learning, mentoring, hands-on experiential learning, and apprenticeships, approaches that have demonstrated empirically the relevance for the YSMs. The curriculum content will be structured around three thematic areas identified through our needs analysis: entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and personal development. Digital competence is essential for labor market relevance, while entrepreneurship is particularly crucial as many YSMs already operate small informal businesses to support themselves and their children. Personal development will address the emotional and psychological challenges these women face, ensuring a holistic approach to their education. Importantly, the final content and pedagogical strategies will emerge from the design thinking process, ensuring that our approach remains flexible, responsive, and effective in bridging the skills gap and enhancing employability among YSMs . In regards with strengthening the TVETs, the use of Design Thinking methodology allows us to use an innovative approach for Teacher professional development, which is co-design for curriculum. In the project a team of external facilitators with knowledge of pedagogy, technology, design and curriculum content work in partnership with schools and educational authorities, allowing learning by doing. The project follows the design thinking methodology around its key phases.

Background & The Challenge

In both Rwanda and Kenya, young single mothers face compounding barriers to education: childcare responsibilities, financial hardship, social stigma, and inflexible learning environments. Existing TVET programmes rarely account for these realities. Tech4SM addresses this gap by working directly with YSMs, TVET schools, national education authorities and community organisations to build a curriculum that is inclusive by design.

Our Approach: Design Thinking

  • Empathise — deeply understand the lives, needs and aspirations of YSMs
  • Define — map stakeholders, labour market needs and skills gaps
  • Ideate & Prototype — co-create the curriculum with partners and YSMs
  • Test — implement and refine through two iterative cycles with 80 YSMs
  • Learn — finalise, document and disseminate for replication

Target Group

Young single mothers (YSMs) enrolled in or seeking to enrol in TVET schools in Butare/Huye District (Rwanda) and Kisumu (Kenya). The project will directly involve 80 YSMs in curriculum testing, with childcare and meals provided to remove participation barriers.