IDL - ICON Data and Learning

Marginalized communities and grassroot organizations face significant challenges with data collection, storage, and management, creating a significant local knowledge gap. Coupled with a lack of systematic approach to data utilization, communities encounter challenges in converting actionable insights to local sustainable solutions. Without targeted support, the opportunity to amplify local voices and drive meaningful change for underserved populations will be lost.

MISSION

To empower underserved populations by promoting data literacy, incubating data tech innovations, advocating for responsible data governance, and fostering collaborative networks.

Thematic Areas

Data Literacy

Capacity-build (train, upskill, and mentor) individuals and organizations in core data and learning skills including digital skills, to understand, build, share, use, re-use, monetize, and innovate data technology solutions for improved decision-making.

Data Tech Incubation

Promote social and economic wealth creation by nurturing youth and women entreprene- urs, with a focus on creating innovative and disruptive data and tech start-ups, through incubation.

Collaborative Networks

Build data communities of pra- ctice with like-minded partners in tertiary institutions, comm- unities, and grassroots organi- zations to promote collabora- tive re-use, innovation, and open data principles, effectively amplifying the voices of under- served communities.

Data Advocacy

Leverage and support effective open data mechanisms and regulations in the ecosystem to promote democratic data-driven participation at national and sub-national levels, while maintaining responsible data governance and protecting digital rights.

Progress by Numbers

Data Literacy Trainings conducted

Digital Resources Translated into Local Languages

CSOs supported in Digital Rights and Data Protection

1643

Youth Reached with Data and Learning programs

Instances where Data and Evidence was used to Inform Community Initiatives

128

PWDs Reached with Data and Learning programs

Policies Influenced using Data and Evidence at Sub-National & National Level

Startups Incubated through Data Tech Incubation program

346

Users Accessing & using Open Data from our Network Platforms

Young Persons Trained and Certified as Research Assistants through the Research Ethics Evaluation (TRREE) program

Collaborative Networks Established (Data & Knowledge Platforms)

888

Girls and Young Women Reached with Data and Learning programs

123

CSOs Staff and Volunteers Trained

CSOs supported in Research to Change (Implementation Research)

CSOs supported to Comply with the Kenya Data Protection Act (GDPR)

What success looks like

Developed data and digital skills for youth, girls, young women and Persons with Disabilities to create informative and impactful data and tech ecosystem.
Increased capacities of communities to generate, utilize and strengthen local data and knowledge platform.
Sustained use of data and evidence to engage policymakers, thought-leaders and community decision-maker
Deepened responsible use of data, adherence to open access to information policies and data protection framework
Equal inclusive access and opportunities for youth & organizations to use data and digital resources

HOW WE BRING ICON DATA AND LEARNING IDEA TO LIFE

As the percentage of the technologically well-versed population increases rapidly, the digital divide and data literacy gap are constantly widening, with an approximated 79% gap (Gartner, 2023) in LMIC. This inequality is particularly pressing among grassroots movements and indigenous organizations.

To tackle the widening digital divide and data literacy gap in LMIC, IDL Labs takes a multi-pronged approach. We offer access to data technologies in implementation research and digital skills training, including advanced courses on data science, while partnering with local organizations to co-create targeted solutions. IDL Labs also collaborates with decision-makers to identify pressing issues and opportunities for using data in sustainable development. We also advocate for policies that support digital inclusion, responsible data governance, and public interest technologies to promote equitable opportunities for all.

Sustainable Development
Goal 16

Sustainable Development
Goal 10

Sustainable Development
Goal 08

Sustainable Development
Goal 01

Our Learning Platform
Coming Soon!

Our interactive data learning platforms provide a cutting-edge approach to adaptive learning, specifically designed for individuals and organizations seeking to broaden their understanding of data. IDL learning platform offers an extensive array of data-focused resources such as open data-sets, posters, policy documents, articles, infographics, and checklists. Our highly qualified experts curate our content, which is continually updated to ensure you have access to the most current and relevant data-related information. The interactive learning platform enables you to learn about new data concepts, improve your understanding of existing data methodologies, and acquire valuable insights into a range of data-related fields including legal data frameworks.

Whether you are a student, researcher, or working professional, our platform offers easy access to the most up-to-date data and learning resources, allowing you to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field.