Tech in Trenches
Taking Practical AI, Data, and Technology Literacy to Underserved Communities
Harrison's Contribution
Founder, Lead Instructor, and Community Organizer. Harrison designs the educational curriculum, secures local community venues, delivers the core instructional sessions, and mentors participants.
Intended Stakeholders
Youth in underserved urban and peri-urban communities, secondary school leavers, non-traditional learners, and local community leaders seeking constructive pathways for youth engagement.
Core Technologies
Project Overview
Tech in Trenches is Harrison Yakubu's flagship Corporate Social Responsibility and grassroots education initiative. Recognizing that millions of young Nigerians are excluded from the formal tech economy due to high barrier-to-entry costs and lack of structured guidance, Tech in Trenches delivers free, hands-on, in-person training directly into community centres, halls, and open learning spaces.
The Problem & Opportunity
Across Nigeria, hundreds of thousands of talented young people lack access to high-end laptops, expensive bootcamps, and reliable tech mentorship. In the absence of legitimate economic pathways, many are vulnerable to harmful internet activities such as cybercrime. Harrison established Tech in Trenches to prove that digital access and ethical AI literacy can provide viable alternatives and ignite sustainable tech careers.
Key Objectives
Solution & Implementation
Technologies & Tooling
Challenges & Key Decisions
Device Constraints: Many participants have limited access to laptops. Decision: Architected the introductory modules so practical exercises could be executed on mobile devices and shared workstations.
Internet Reliability: Unstable connectivity in community venues. Decision: Prepared offline-accessible exercises and local resource packs to maintain uninterrupted learning.
Verified Results & Outcomes
- Multiple community-based training cohorts successfully delivered across Lagos.
- Dozens of young participants introduced to generative AI and digital productivity tools for the first time.
- Participants transitioned into ongoing peer study pods and tech career preparation tracks.
Project Evidence & Media
Tech in Trenches 'Lift-Off' Launch
Official launch event documentation and youth classroom training sessions. Verified on Instagram.
Community Workshop Cohort
In-person hands-on training session with youth participants.
Advanced Practical Session
Interactive demonstration of digital workflows and problem solving.