In March 2025, ITU organised several information sessions for the DTCs to mark the official launch of its course on “Introduction to digital finance for small businesses”. The course aims to support citizens in learning the essential elements of financial management, with a particular focus on micro-enterprises and digital tools that can strengthen their small businesses. The training was designed to raise learners’ awareness of available digital tools for savings, credits and payments, as well as the importance of online safety and security. A pilot training was conducted in the Dominican Republic before the course was converted into an e-learning product, available in English, French and Spanish. The information sessions introduced the course in its digitized version to focal points, trainers and/or centre managers from 13 DTCs, emphasizing its relevance and how it can respond to the digital skills needs of the communities. They also provided guidance on how to effectively adapt and deliver the content through hands-on exercises and practical activities during which the attendees had the opportunity to test and engage with the materials. DTCs were provided with additional resources to accompany the course, such as a facilitator’s guide and a course layout which can serve as supporting documentation for their learners. The training course is available to the DTCs to freely share and redistribute, as well as to adapt and transform based on the local context and learning needs. As part of the next steps, DTCs will gradually begin to integrate the course modules into their planned activities for the second half of the year, after ensuring that their master trainers and other instructors have been properly trained.
