Before starting with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Utah’s Digital Inclusion program, Bakari* dreamed of creating an online presence that could bring his vision and personality to people around the world. Lacking the programming skills but focused on a clear goal, he joined the Digital Inclusion program's beginner class in early 2025.

Bakari, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, saw Digital Inclusion as the perfect gateway to accomplish his goals. The beginner and intermediate Digital Skills classes focus on developing basic digital awareness so new Americans can find jobs, create resumes, and use the apps and tools necessary for employment in a digital landscape. After tackling the basics and leveling his skills, Bakari was ready for more.

“I had always dreamed of creating something online that represented me and could reach others around the world. When I found the IRC’s digital education program, I knew it was the perfect starting point,” Bakari noted.

In 2026, the IRC in Utah launched a new class: Coding Lessons, a basics of coding course for clients who wanted to take the next step into the tech industry. Bakari eagerly enrolled, tackling the challenges the course offered as he progressed.

“I remember spending hours figuring out how to make my navigation bar stay fixed at the top of the page,” Bakari said. “But every time I solved a problem, I felt stronger.”

Bakari was forced to develop more than just technical skills; he had to find new ways to approach obstacles. The course gave him opportunities to strengthen his creativity and problem-solving skills. Throughout the spring, Bakari worked tirelessly to build his website from the ground up using HTML and CSS. Now, Bakari can confidently call himself a budding web developer.

“I've learned that coding is about constant practice and continuous improvement,” Bakari wrote about the course. “With patience, practice, and support from [the IRC], each obstacle turned into a breakthrough.”

Bakari's web store provided his first taste of success in the digital economy. Through it, he is able to receive a supplemental income and draw in clients for his personal web development business. But it's only the beginning. Bakari wants to use the DI courses as a springboard, tackling other programming languages like Python and Java. His new goal is to share his newfound skills to help the people in his community learn the digital skills to start their own online businesses.

“What started as a personal goal has turned into a way to empower others,” he said.

IRC teacher stands in the center background facing the class (and camera) with a slide about internet safety behind him. Class participants face him (away from the camera) learning about digital inclusion topics.
Digital inclusion and digital literacy training are essential for recently arrived refugees and new Americans as they work to connect to their new communities. IRC instructors present language-accessible, culturally-relevant materials to improve digital inclusion outcomes.
Photo: James Roh

The IRC in Utah’s DI program works to provide refugees and new Americans access to critical digital technology, such as a laptop computer, along with ongoing digital literacy training to develop the skills necessary to positively impact their livelihoods. Digital inclusion and digital literacy training are essential for recently arrived refugees and new Americans as they work to connect to their new communities, including accessing online job portals, online banking, education platforms, and more. The IRC in Utah is deeply grateful for Comcast and gFiber for their generous support of Digital Inclusion services and the families who benefit from them.

Learn how you can support our efforts and individuals like Bakari by visiting Rescue.org/Top5Utah »  

*Name changed to maintain privacy.