Community solution: Developing youth data literacy

Participant sharing feedback for the workshop

The Data4Impact team completed its workshop on Introduction to Data Literacy and Scholarship Preparation. Data4Impact is one of the four initiatives selected for the Community Solution Awards from Parami University. The project is run by four sophomore students who are also members of the student-led ‘Datalliance’ club at Parami University. The project focuses on introductory topics such as data science, data literacy, and scholarship preparation.

The two-day Data4Impact workshop was held with students from Cherry Myay Academy (CMA). CMA is a community-based institution that offers a two-year diploma program in Social and Development Studies, boasting a diverse and inclusive student body from many ethnicities across Myanmar's states and regions. Data4Impact selected CMA students because they believe they have the potential for higher education. However, they still have difficulties accessing resources due to the lack of information, as they also come from underprivileged areas. 

Three distinguished guest speakers were invited to share their knowledge: Dr. Myo Thida, assistant professor of computer science, Bard College - Simon Rock, Ma Hayman Linn Lae Zaw, master student of social work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, US, and Ko Okkthohn Aung: bachelor student of economics at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. 

The importance of the data role in society 

The role of data has become important with the rise of technology, electronic communications, and global economics. Many people, businesses, and governments utilize data for multiple purposes, from examining their daily routines to extracting business insights to increase sales. 

“As a response to the widespread utilization of data, many countries are training young people in data literacy and cultivating them to become data professionals so that they are ready for the future. In the meantime, it is unfortunate that Myanmar is facing several crises, and young people are being left behind in data science education. The risk of Myanmar being left out of the data movement in the global world concerns the equality of resources and knowledge, not only for the global but also for the local interests." —Data4Impact

They added that, in response to this massive, fast-paced shift in data in the current digital landscape, the youths entering different roles in society must have strong data literacy and insights as a basis for contributing effectively to the community as the trend progresses worldwide. The data revolution demands the proactive learning and engagement of not only data practitioners but also the public who are in touch with data through their digital presence, as development often comes with both benefits and risks. Whether the youths plan to pursue careers in data-related jobs or not, data, often called “the new oil” of the 21st century, requires them to be well-prepared and equipped with data literacy for workplace readiness in their future careers. 

Minimizing the knowledge gap in data through educating and empowering

To provide all the relevant knowledge and resources to the participants under the Introduction to Data Literacy and Scholarship Preparation. The first part, Data literacy, has three categories: the growing importance of data, the role of data in everyone's daily life, and how data is used in business with the rise of technology, electronic communications, and global economics. The second part, the scholarship preparation, covers information on exchange programs, workshops, scholarships, and scholarship-winning tips shared by the project team members, Parami students, and two guest speakers. 

“This act of awareness raising paved the way for educating the participants about the fundamental meanings of data science and its use in different fields, which consequently raised participants’ knowledge about what data science is. To delve further into data and data science, we organized a webinar for them. That helped solidify their understanding and further ignite their interest in data. One outcome we highly expect from the participants is data awareness in the 21st century. It is our expectation that our project deepens their understanding of data and its existence in our lives,” the team expresses.

In the second part of the workshop, the team members shared exchange and capacity-building programs such as the YSEALI Academic Program, the Myanmar Youth Leadership Program (MYLP), and Learning across Borders (LAB). 

Through the project, participants have a deep understanding and comprehensive knowledge of data and data science. They become very confident in preparing for and applying for scholarships. They become aware of opportunities that support their personal and professional development and are empowered to take them.

A group photo of CMA students and the Data4Impact team from Parami University

Members of the Data4Impact team reflected positively on their workshop, noting that it successfully motivated and empowered participants. Ei Mon Soe described the workshop as highly impactful, with participants gaining confidence in using data for decision-making and feeling inspired to apply for scholarships. Similarly, Ming Thet Paing expressed satisfaction in exceeding expectations, highlighting the participants’ enthusiasm, active engagement, and eagerness to learn about data and scholarship opportunities, while appreciating the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team.