Community Digital Lab
Expanding Access to Digital Skills
and Workforce Opportunity
Community Digital Lab (CDL) is BASICS International’s digital workforce development initiative focused on increasing access to technology education, digital literacy, and future-ready skills for youth and community members in underserved communities.
Founded through the launch of Chorkor Digital Lab in Accra, Ghana, CDL was created to help bridge the digital divide and expand access to educational and workforce opportunities in communities where access to technology training and digital infrastructure may be limited.
Through industry-aligned training, mentorship, and technology partnerships, CDL helps prepare participants for a rapidly evolving global economy by creating pathways into digital learning, workforce readiness, leadership development, and innovation.
Building Community-Based Pathways to the Digital Economy
OurVision
CDL envisions communities where young people and aspiring learners have access to the digital knowledge, skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed to participate confidently in today’s technology-driven world. By expanding access to digital education and workforce development, CDL works to support long-term economic mobility, innovation, and community growth.
Founding Campus
Chorkor Digital Lab
Accra, Ghana
Chorkor Digital Lab serves as the founding campus of the Community Digital Lab initiative and BASICS International’s flagship digital learning and workforce development center.
Established in Accra, Ghana, the lab was created to provide accessible, community-rooted technology education and exposure to career pathways in IT, networking, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
The lab combines technical instruction with mentorship, leadership development, and practical learning experiences designed to help participants strengthen both digital and professional skills.
Chorkor, Accra — Ghana, West Africa
Industry-Aligned
Learning
Through Cisco Networking Academy and other global platforms — programmes from foundational digital literacy through to advanced certification pathways and career development.
01
Cisco NetAcad
Digital Literacy
Introduction to computers, the internet, digital communication, and basic technology tools — building the foundation for everyday use and workforce readiness.
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02
Cisco NetAcad
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Overview of cybersecurity concepts, digital threats, and protective practices for personal and professional digital safety in a connected world.
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03
Cisco NetAcad
Networking Fundamentals
Core networking concepts including how data travels across networks, network infrastructure, and foundational routing principles — industry-recognized curriculum.
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04
Cisco NetAcad
IT Essentials
Hands-on introduction to computer hardware, software, and operating systems — building the technical foundation for further study and IT career pathways.
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05
Cisco NetAcad
Routing and Switching
In-depth study of how networks are configured and managed — preparing students for advanced Cisco certifications and network engineering roles.
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06
Career Readiness
Workforce Readiness Training
Professional development, communication skills, and workplace readiness — preparing participants for real career opportunities in the digital economy.
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07
Career Readiness
Leadership & Mentorship
Guidance from experienced professionals — helping participants navigate career paths, develop leadership skills, and achieve long-term goals.
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More Than a
Computer Lab
CDL is a community-centered innovation and workforce development initiative. It reflects BASICS International's broader commitment to connecting education, technology, mentorship, and economic empowerment through integrated community-based systems.
By expanding access to digital education and workforce development, CDL works to support long-term economic mobility, innovation, and community growth.
Digital Access & Inclusion
Increasing access to digital opportunity for youth who might otherwise be left behind in a technology-driven economy.
Creativity & Problem-Solving
Encouraging students to think critically and creatively — applying technology skills to real challenges in their communities.
Emerging Technologies
Exposing students to the evolving landscape of technology — from networking and cybersecurity to future-facing digital innovations.
Leadership Development
Building confidence, communication, and leadership abilities that help participants thrive beyond technical skills.
Workforce Readiness
Equipping participants with professional skills and certifications that open doors to real career and employment opportunities.
Long-Term Economic Opportunity
Creating lasting pathways to economic mobility — connecting digital skills to employment, entrepreneurship, and income generation.
Digital Workforce Development
Preparing Youth
for the Future
As technology continues to shape the global economy, access to digital education and workforce skills has become increasingly important for long-term opportunity and economic mobility.
CDL supports both students exploring technology for the first time and learners pursuing advanced certification pathways and career development opportunities.
Technology Fundamentals
Digital Communication
Critical Thinking
Collaboration
Leadership
Workforce Preparedness
Cisco Networking Academy
We are a Globally Recognized Partner
CDL is proud to be a Cisco Networking Academy, offering a comprehensive curriculum designed to empower students with the skills needed for careers in IT and networking — meeting international standards and preparing students for industry-recognized certifications.
Get
Involved
Whether you are a student, educator, volunteer, donor, or corporate partner — there are meaningful ways to support the growth of Community Digital Lab and help expand access to digital opportunity.
Support CDL
Fund digital equipment, curriculum access, and student scholarships.
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Partner With Us
Corporate or institutional partnerships that grow CDL's reach and impact.
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Volunteer
Share your technology skills or mentorship expertise with CDL students.
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Sponsor Digital Learning
Sponsor a student's access to CDL programmes and certification pathways.
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Contact (Ghana & USA Office's)
+233 (0) 277 512671 +233 (0) 277 227427
+1 718-454-1273
BASICS International Mailing Address:
P.O.Box CT 3727, Cantonments Accra Ghana, West Africa.
P.O.Box CT 3727, Cantonments Accra Ghana, West Africa.
BASICS International Mailing Address:
P. O BOX 300888
JAMAICA NY 11430 USA
P. O BOX 300888
JAMAICA NY 11430 USA
Programme Office and Facilities:
Chorkor Accra
Chorkor Accra
Programme Office and Facilities:
B.A.S.I.C.S International
162- 04 Tuskegee Airmen Way Jamaica, New York 11433 USA
B.A.S.I.C.S International
162- 04 Tuskegee Airmen Way Jamaica, New York 11433 USA