ReDI School & UNESCO: Impact Tracking Re-imagined
In the ever-evolving digital education landscape, ReDI School of Digital Integration continues to break barriers, offering refugees and migrants a pathway into the tech industry. From October 2024 to April 2025, ReDI School embarked on an ambitious collaboration with UNESCO to enhance impact measurement and equip FINTA individuals (female, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender) with in-demand UX/UI skills. The journey was filled with pivots — each reinforcing ReDI School's commitment to innovation and inclusion - no matter the obstacles.
Navigating the Complexity of Impact Data Automation
The first part of the project sought to revolutionize how ReDI School tracks the success of its graduates. By integrating its Salesforce CRM system with LinkedIn, the goal was to automate the collection of impact data, providing deeper insights into where students go after leaving the school. This automation would theoretically allow ReDI School to measure long-term outcomes more effectively and refine its programs accordingly.
However, the project quickly ran into unexpected roadblocks, particularly concerning technical limitations related to GDPR compliance. Stringent data privacy regulations hindered direct and real-time integration between the two platforms, so the team had to pivot multiple times, rethinking how data could be collected while respecting students' privacy rights. While the integration has been partially implemented, ReDI School continues to work closely with its Salesforce consultants to find a sustainable solution that balances technological efficiency with ethical responsibility.
Learners participating in the UX and UI Lab program. Photo captured by @Dominik Tryba
Designing a Future in UX/UI
Parallel to the data integration effort, ReDI School launched a four-month UX and UI Lab program tailored for 16 migrant learners. This initiative, taught by 10 dedicated volunteer professionals from the tech industry, provided hands-on, project-oriented learning.
The students were tasked with redesigning ReDI School's impact page, a crucial element of the website that showcases the school's transformative effect on its learners. The challenge was not just about aesthetics; it was about crafting a compelling narrative that accurately reflects ReDI's mission and the life-changing stories of its students.
With guidance from industry experts, the learners worked in teams, applied human-centered design principles, and gained practical experience to help them navigate future careers in UX/UI. Their final project will be presented at the end of June, marking a milestone in their journey toward digital empowerment.
Sharing Insights on a Global Stage
As part of this initiative's broader impact, two key members of the ReDI School Digital Women Program team, Asli Ece Uluc and Alina Floroiu traveled to Venice in March to share insights from the project. They joined an inspiring gathering of organizations participating in UNESCO's "Revitalizing STEM Education to Equip Next Generations with STEM Competency" initiative.
In Venice, they presented the challenges and breakthroughs of ReDI School's work, highlighting the complexities of impact data automation and the power of UX/UI education for migrant FINTA (female, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender) learners. Their discussions sparked meaningful exchanges with other education leaders, offering fresh perspectives on ethical data collection, digital inclusion, and user-centered teaching methods. This global platform amplified ReDI School's mission and opened doors for potential future collaborations, strengthening efforts to create more inclusive pathways into STEM and tech careers for underrepresented communities worldwide.
Looking Ahead
This collaboration with UNESCO has not only pushed ReDI School to explore innovative ways of tracking long-term impact, but it has also underscored a deeper truth: data alone can't capture the full picture. True impact lives in the stories of our students - their voices, their journeys, and their triumphs.
As we continue refining our tools and strategies, one thing remains clear: the most powerful way to communicate change is by empowering those at the heart of it to tell their own stories. In the months ahead, ReDI School is committed to building systems that don't just measure impact but celebrate it—elevating the voices of our learners and co-creating narratives that reflect their resilience, growth, and inner shine.
Stay tuned as we share more insights, lessons, and real stories from our community. The future of impact tracking is not only more measurable but also more human.