We live in a world where most young people swipe, tap, scroll, and use voice notes more often than they type. Technology has made communication faster and more convenient through phones, tablets and smart TVs. Yet, even in this touchscreen world, typing remains one of the most important digital skills young people can have.
At the Youth Bridge Foundation, through our digital innovation hub, the Youth Tech Bridge, this is something we have observed closely through our work with young people.
While many are comfortable using smartphones, there is often a clear gap when it comes to typing efficiently on laptops and desktop computers. Many young people can navigate apps with ease, but struggle to type quickly, accurately, and confidently when completing assignments, writing emails, creating documents, or using digital tools for learning.
This gap matters.
As education, work, and opportunities become more digital, typing is a basic requirement. Whether a young person is applying for a scholarship, writing a CV, coding a website, participating in online learning, or entering data for a business, typing efficiency can make a significant difference.
This is one of the reasons why we are placing more focus on typing skills.
During our recent Cybersecurity and Web Development Bootcamp for young girls in Nsawam held in October 2025, we saw firsthand how limited typing skills could affect confidence and learning. Some participants were more familiar with touchscreens than keyboards and initially found it difficult to navigate laptops, type commands, or complete tasks quickly.
However, as the sessions progressed, many participants became more comfortable with using keyboards, typing basic code, creating passwords, and navigating digital tools. By the end of the five-week programme, the same girls who had started out hesitant were more confident in using laptops and engaging in practical activities.
Participants learned HTML, explored website structures, and developed simple webpages for their schools. They also took part in cybersecurity sessions focused on password safety, phishing awareness, safe browsing, and protecting personal data. All of these activities required typing, attention to detail, and confidence in using a keyboard.
One of the most important outcomes of the bootcamp was the growth in confidence among participants. Parents and teachers reported seeing improvements not only in digital skills, but also in self-assurance and willingness to participate. Participants became more vocal during sessions, supported each other during practical tasks, and showed stronger interest in technology-related careers.
A young person who types efficiently can complete schoolwork faster, communicate more effectively, and focus more on their ideas instead of struggling with the keyboard. Typing also helps young people become more productive, especially in areas like coding, content creation, research, administration, and digital entrepreneurship.
It is also important to remember that typing is useful across every profession. A future teacher may need to prepare lesson notes. A communications officer may need to draft reports and social media content. A climate advocate may need to write proposals and presentations. A business owner may need to respond to customers and manage records.
No matter the field, typing remains essential.
At Youth Tech Bridge, we believe that addressing this typing gap is part of preparing young people for the future. Providing access to devices is important, but it is equally important to ensure young people know how to use them effectively.
Our recent bootcamp showed us that when young people are given the right support, they can build digital skills quickly and confidently. Now, we want to build on that success by paying more attention to typing efficiency, because in a touchscreen world, the ability to type well still matters.
Starting April 7 to May 30, 2026, we will be holding an 8-week typing bootcamp for young people in Nsawam. The Typing Bootcamp is designed to equip young learners with essential keyboarding skills, improve speed and accuracy, and build confidence in using computers for learning and productivity.
For support, partners can contact the Foundation at programs@youthbridgefoundation.org.