Innovation and Technology

This program represents the core identity of STS. We believe that technology is not just a tool—but a powerful enabler of humanitarian response, inclusive development, and sustainable recovery, especially in post-conflict settings like Tigray. Our Innovation and Technology Program focuses on designing, piloting, and scaling practical digital solutions that are tailored to the local realities of underserved communities.

 

In Tigray, we use technology to promote peace, empower youth and women, enhance education and skills training, strengthen local governance, and counter the spread of misinformation. We also build awareness around the value of digital transformation and promote the ethical use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

 

Objectives:

      ·       Develop and deploy innovative, tech-based solutions for humanitarian response

·       Create affordable and context-specific digital tools

·       Promote ethical and inclusive AI applications

·       Strengthen digital infrastructure and access for marginalized groups

·       Build local capacity in digital innovation and entrepreneurship

·       Raise awareness on how technology can serve communities as an enabler for peace, equity, and opportunity

Key Initiatives:

       ·       AI-Based Fact-Checking Tools to combat hate speech and misinformation (ongoing)

·       Tigray Aid Management System (TAMS) for transparent and fraud-proof humanitarian aid distribution (ongoing)

·       Tigray Youth Voice Platform – a digital feedback and complaint system for youth participation (ongoing)

·       Web and App Development Training for youth and local CSOs

·       Technology incubation for education, agriculture, health, and governance

·       ICT Free Spaces that provide underserved youth access to digital tools and learning environments

Peace Building and Human Rights

Post-war Tigray requires urgent and sustained investment in healing, justice, and reconciliation. This program fosters social cohesion, digital peacebuilding, and the protection of human rights. We adopt a rights-based approach and integrate technology into peacebuilding processes—from documenting violations to reducing digital misinformation and promoting civic dialogue.

Our peacebuilding work emphasizes youth inclusion, trauma-informed dialogue, and the promotion of truth, accountability, and coexistence through both online and offline platforms.

Objectives:

·       Promote inclusive peacebuilding through dialogue and digital platforms

·       Document and advocate for justice regarding human rights violations

·       Train youth and CSOs on transitional justice, civic engagement, and digital resilience

·       Counter misinformation and online hate through digital literacy and verification tools

·       Use social media for peace messaging and digital civic space promotion

Key Initiatives:

·       Digital Peacebuilding Workshops

·       Youth-Led National Dialogue Initiatives

·       Human Rights Training

·       Fact-checking and misinformation response tools

Capacity Building

Our Capacity Building Program strengthens the technical, organizational, and strategic competencies of individuals and institutions in Tigray. From grassroots CSOs to youth groups and government actors, we help partners develop the skills and systems they need to be more resilient, efficient, and responsive in a fast-changing environment.

We focus on building local leadership, enabling digital transformation, and enhancing institutional accountability, especially in sectors affected by conflict and fragility.

Objectives:

  • Enhance digital literacy and organizational effectiveness
  • Provide targeted training in leadership, governance, and communication
  • Support CSOs, youth-led groups, and local institutions in adopting technology
  • Create a pool of local trainers, digital ambassadors, and change agents

Key Initiatives:

  • Technology Access Program (TAP) – hands-on training in digital tools and platforms
  • Digital Transformation Support for CSOs and local governments
  • Web Development & Design Bootcamps for young people and tech enthusiasts
  • Toolkits and knowledge-sharing platforms to sustain learning and collaboration

Youth Empowerment

Tigray’s future depends on the power, creativity, and leadership of its youth. STS’s Youth Empowerment Program is dedicated to helping young people gain the skills, voice, and agency they need to drive positive change, recover from crisis, and shape their futures.

We work to make youth economically and technically self-reliant, support girls and women to access opportunities in technology and leadership, and reduce the risks of unemployment, illegal migration, and disengagement.

Objectives:

  • Promote youth leadership, participation, and innovation
  • Equip youth with digital, entrepreneurial, and life skills
  • Provide psychosocial support and trauma-informed engagement
  • Increase employment and income-generation through tech and entrepreneurship
  • Foster civic responsibility, social values, and national ownership

Key Initiatives:

  • Tech-Driven Expression – an AI-based storytelling program for girls (funded by USAID)
  • Peacebuilding & Digital Literacy Training – reaching over 1,000 youth
  • Youth Entrepreneurship Labs focused on innovation and startup mentoring
  • Anti-Illegal Migration Awareness Campaigns using digital tools
  • Peer-to-peer healing circles, leadership forums, and local engagement platforms

Collaboration and Advocacy

At STS, advocacy is how we turn grassroots voices into policy change. This program focuses on amplifying the lived experiences of youth, women, and vulnerable communities to influence public policy, shift narratives, and promote accountability and justice.

Our advocacy is data-driven, inclusive, and rooted in local realities. We work on policy-level engagement, digital mobilization, and rights-based campaigns that promote democracy, peace, and social equity in Tigray.

Objectives:

  • Advocate for inclusive policies on digital rights, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment
  • Utilize technology and data to drive evidence-based policy dialogue
  • Mobilize community and diaspora networks for collaborative action
  • Address human rights violations, structural barriers, and misinformation through advocacy

Key Initiatives:

  • Policy Briefs and Research on youth, tech access, peace, and recovery
  • Digital Campaigns targeting misinformation, GBV, online safety, and civic participation
  • Community-Led Dialogues on governance and inclusion
  • Advocacy for the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and rights of IDPs
  • Coalition Building with platforms such as ACSOT and THRAN

What sets STS apart and makes us truly unique are several key factors:

  • Technology Focus: As the only non-governmental organization in the Tigray region with a primary focus on technology, we are at the forefront of driving innovation and harnessing its potential for sustainable development. Our dedicated efforts in leveraging technology enable us to address pressing challenges in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and industry, making a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
  • Youth Leadership: STS takes pride in being a youth-led organization. Our team of young visionaries brings fresh perspectives, energy, and creativity to our initiatives. By empowering young leaders, we foster an environment that values dynamic ideas, encourages innovation, and promotes youth participation in decision-making processes.

  • Women Leadership and Inclusivity: STS stands out as an organization led by women, reflecting our commitment to gender equality and inclusivity. We recognize the immense potential and contributions of women in driving social change and sustainable development. By promoting women’s leadership and creating inclusive spaces, we ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are heard and valued in our organization and the communities we serve.

  • Environmental Enablement: At STS, we are deeply committed to environmental sustainability. As an environmentally enabling organization, we integrate eco-friendly practices into our initiatives, promoting responsible resource management, conservation, and climate resilience. By incorporating sustainable principles into our work, we strive to create a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to adopt environmentally conscious practices.

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