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About Us

Leapfroggers, a non-profit organization, is driven by a vision to empower youth, especially those from vulnerable environments, by providing access to learning and employment opportunities through skills development and technology. We envision not only help these young individuals catch up with their global peers elsewhere but to equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to leapfrog into a brighter future and effectively contribute to the development of their countries and communities. By fostering innovation and harnessing the power of technology, Leapfroggers aims to close the gap for youth in developing countries like Somaliland, and prided them with the opportunity to thrive in the modern, fast-paced world.

Mission and Goal

Establishing a two-year Technology Institute in Somaliland, aiming to enroll 100 students initially, to be scaled up after the first two years. The goal is to improve employability of the youth (who constitute 70% of the population with 70% of them unemployed) , enhance economic growth, and increased technological capacity in the country and the region. Leapfroggers, through the Institute, continues to offer programs that focus on educational support, mentorship, and life skills development. We believe in creating an environment where disadvantaged youth can have the confidence and resources needed to succeed, bridging the gap to the opportunities of the digital age

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Technology Training Institute

Our flagship program is the Technology Training Institute, established to provide young people with state-of-the-art technical education. We offer courses that span essential areas such as software development, digital marketing, cybersecurity, data analysis, and more. These programs are tailored to the needs of the African context, with an initial focus on Somaliland. Through our specialized training, we aim to unlock the untapped potential of youth and empower them to participate in and lead the future of technology.

 

In the past, we provided direct support to children and youth, who have been orphaned by conflict or abandoned as babies. The objective is not only to meet their most urgent needs but to also help them develop the skills and capabilities to engage in productive activities outside of the orphanage in the future. For focus and impact, we started with one orphanage—Hargeisa Orphanage. directly with management of the Hargeisa Orphanage with skill-building basic, access to computers and sporting materials and equipment for healthy living. The Orphanage hoses 500-600 children and youth at who have been orphaned by war and conflict or abandoned at birth, Some of the photos and videos of Leapfroggers ‘ support to the Orphanage can come 9n here.

 

While we will continue to support the Orphanage, our intention is to transition to a higher level of support to youth through training in various areas of technology, mentoring, coaching and linking them up with businesses for employment opportunities. Our focus going forward is the Technology Training Institute. The goal is to enhance the employability of Somalia youth, enhance, economic growth and technological capacity in the country and the region.

 

Our vision is to make the Institute an anchor future of a Technology Park designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship and provide the infrastructure to technology-based start-ups businesses , resources and support. Such a Park can facilitate collaboration between academia, government and industry to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and enhance skills development.

 

Inclusivity is a core value at Leapfroggers. Our programs are designed to be accessible to all, including those with disabilities, marginalized communities, and those with limited access to education and resources. Through scholarships, partnerships, and community outreach, we ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward a digital future. Overall main objectives are:

 

  • Economic Development: A skilled workforce will boost economic growth.
  • Youth Employment: The institute will help address the high unemployment rate among youth.
  • Global Competitiveness: Enhances Somaliland's presence in the ICT and technology sectors.
  • Laying the basis for technological development of the country and transition from primary production to technology-based economy

 

In sum, the proposed institute of technology in Somaliland represents a strategic investment in the country’s future, addressing critical skills gaps and fostering economic development. By leveraging lessons learned from similar initiatives globally, this Institute aims to become a center of excellence in technology education, contributing to the nation’s growth and prosperity, and hopefully a catalyst for similar initiatives in the region.

 

Sustainability and Partnerships

Partnerships with the private sector and academic institutions will ensure sustainability. Students will pay reasonable tuition fees, with scholarships available for 25% of the student body. Revenue generation will also come from consulting services.

 

Curiculum

While course work would be flexible and continuously updated, the following the courses that the Institute will start offering for the two-year program.

 

 

Course Work for Computer Track

Year 1

  • Introduction to Programming (Python)
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Computer Systems and Networking
  • Object-Oriented Programming (Java)
  • Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • Database Management Systems
  • Year 2

  • Advanced Programming Topics (C++, Scala)
  • Software Engineering and Design Patterns
  • Computer Systems and Networking
  • Computer Security and Ethics
  • Mobile App Development (Android or iOS)
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Capstone Project (individual or team)
  • Electronic Track

    Year 1

  • Introduction to Electronics
  • Circuit Analysis and Design
  • Electronic Devices and Components
  • Digital Logic and Microprocessors
  • Electronic Circuits and Simulation
  • Microcontrollers and Embedded Systems
  • Analog and Digital Communication Systems
  • Electromagnetics and RF Fundamentals
  • Year 2

  • Power Electronics and Control Systems
  • Electronic Instrumentation and Measurement
  • Digital Signal Processing and Applications
  • Communication Systems and Networks
  • Advanced Topics in Electronics (e.g., IoT, Robotics)
  • Project Design and Implementation (individual or team)
  • Electronics Workshop and Prototyping
  • Professional Practice and Ethics in Electronics
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    Board of Directors

    Leapfroggers, which is sponsoring the proposed Technology Institute, is registered in both the United States and Somaliland In the US it registered as a as a Tax Exempt charitable and educational organization under 501 (c). In Somaliland, it is registered as an NGO under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It governed by a Board of Directors consisting of high-caliber professionals with extensive international experience and economic and business development. Those Members are as follows:

     

    Osman Sheikh Ahmed, PhD (Chairman and CEO)

    Osman is an international development economist with extensive worldwide experience in both the public and private sectors, including 22-year career as senior official of the World Bank and IFC (at both managerial and technical capacities), and has advised and worked with governments and the private sector on economic growth, poverty reduction and private sector development issues in over on 30 countries. Osman also worked with the Islamic Development Bank as, among other positions, Director of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (a poverty-reduction fund with a target capitalization of $10 billion).

    He also taught economics and economic development at several universities in the US, most recently the American University in Washington DC, and as Senior Manager for Policy and Strategy for economic ​development at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, a premier new university for cutting-edge research for innovation-based economic development. At present, Osman is Chief Economic Advisor to the President of Somaliland.

    Mr. Jack Garrity (Member)

    Jack is currently actively involved in non-profit organizations, including one for his late wife, Pacita Abad, an Asian-American painter whose work was shown in 30 museum and gallery painting exhibitions in Asia, Europe and the US. Mr Garrity is the former Executive Director of the Asia Society, a non-profit, membership organization that addresses critical issues affecting Asia, in Washington DC.

    During his 35-year professional career, he has lived and worked in Asia for over 20 years with private sector corporations, international multilateral institutions and investment consulting firms. He was CEO and Managing Director of Tuan Sing Holdings Ltd., a Singapore publicly-listed, multi-industry group of 50 subsidiary companies located in 7 Asian countries, with over $500 million in assets and 3,000 employees. He was also Executive Vice President and Corporate Advisor to the Chairman of, Gajah Tnggal Group, one of Indonesia’s leading industrial conglomerates with over 80,000 employees and $2 billion in exports and domestic sales.

    At present, Jack has devoted full time to Pacita Abad Foundation, in memory of his late, an internationally acclaimed artist. Mainly through his efforts the art world came know the depth and inspiration of Pacita’s art with exhibits in major museums around the world including, including New York (MOMA), San Francisco, St Paul, Dallas, London, Berlin, Doha.

    Ms. Elaine Curl (Member)

    Elaine is Board Chair and Founder and Elaine Curl, of Queenstown, Board Chair and Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Convention Store. Elaine has 30 years of experience in the U.S. transportation industry. In addition to her pioneering efforts in the mass shuttle system design and management field, Elaine is also the founder of the Rose House Foundation, dedicated to enhancing the lives of children with Cerebral Palsy and other special needs.

    Elaine has 30 years of experience in the U.S. transportation industry. In addition to her pioneering efforts in the mass shuttle system design and management field, Elaine is also the founder of the Rose House Foundation, dedicated to enhancing the lives of children with Cerebral Palsy and other special needs.

    Dr. Mahdi Ali Mohamed (Vice Chair)

    Dr Mahdi is a Pediatrician based in Hargeisa, and founder of the largest pediatric center in that area. He has over 30 years in the practice of medicine in Somalia, Djibouti, Central Asia (Uzbekistan), and consulted for international organizations such as UNESCO. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Mahdi is also Associate Dean of the Medical School, Hargeisa University. Dr. Mahdi treats poor children, including orphans, free of charge and regularly volunteers for community service activities, including for Hargeisa Orphanage. Sent from my iPhone

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