Activity Description: In developing countries like Cambodia and Laos, low levels of education and poverty reinforce each other. Young adults are often forced to forgo education and take unskilled low-wage jobs. The situation is even more difficult when compounded by a physical disability, deceased or missing parents, or when young women are subjected to the horrors of the sex trade. Digital Divide Data is connecting the power of education and training programs with real job opportunities for disadvantaged individuals.

Digital Divide Data combines a revenue-generating data entry and digitization business with health, education and job-training programs to create life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged groups in Cambodia and Laos. By partnering with local NGOs who teach English and other skills to groups such as landmine and polio victims, and sexually trafficked women, Digital Divide Data has successfully employed over 189 disadvantaged young adults. The organization has attracted business from the Harvard Crimson student newspaper, Tufts University Libraries, and others.

While working at Digital Divide Data, program participants receive above average wages plus a range of services including health care, eyeglasses (if needed), teambuilding activities and counseling on their educational and vocational choices. Employees are given half of the work day to participate in an educational program of their choice, subsidized by Digital Divide Data. More than a dozen program participants have taken their new skills on to other employment and education opportunities. The increased income and improvements in health, education, and skills not only benefit the participant, but their family and community as well.