Feature: China-funded technology contest inspires Kenyan youth

Jane Charity grew up in an era when patriarchy was entrenched and society expected little from women and girls despite their exceptional talents.

The ambitious mechanical engineering student from the Kenyatta University knew from an early age that success would never be handed over to her on silver Plata.

To prove cynics wrong, Charity worked hard in school and scored impressive grades in science subjects that were a preserve for boys.

Self driven and versatile, Charity has defied negative cultural stereotypes to pursue a cream course that Kenyan girls have dreaded for decades.

Charity was among the talented Kenyan youth who participated in this year's Africa Technology Challenge (ATC) sponsored by Chinese company AVIC International.

During an interview with Xinhua recently, Charity said her participation at the prestigious technology contest widened her horizons.

"I heard about the Africa Technology Challenge from friends and decided to give it a try. My participation at this contest was a golden opportunity that I will forever cherish," Charity remarked.

She was among the exceptionally talented female university students who overcome great hurdles to participate in a grueling competition to assess their competence in technology and innovation.

This year's Africa Technology Challenge kicked off in early August and attracted dozens of contestants from all parts of Kenya. The final competition commenced on August 30th and ended on August 31st.

"The Africa Tech Challenge can be nerve wracking, but has enormous rewards. The contest unlocked hidden talents in me and I am ready to pursue my dream career with renewed vigor," said Charity.

Her exemplary performance at the Africa Tech Challenge secured her a scholarship to pursue a master's degree in mechanical engineering in a Chinese University.

Charity said Chinese mentors at the Africa Tech Challenge helped demystify engineering discipline.

"The Chinese tutors emphasized on passion and self-drive to enable us to succeed in our careers. I also leant the Chinese are keen on precision. These attributes are an imperative in the engineering field," she told Xinhua.

Currently an admired heroine in her native village, Charity vowed to return home after her study tour in China to contribute to Kenya's socio-economic transformation.

The African Tech Challenge has strengthened Sino-Africa friendship through skills and technology transfer.

Zhao Leilei, AVIC Project Manager, said the prestigious competition has unleashed enormous benefits to Kenyan youth.

"Some of the students who enroll in the Africa Tech Challenge do not know how to operate a machine. After the rigorous training, the students are able operate any machine," Zhao remarked.

He added that Africa Tech Challenge has inspired many Kenyan youth to pursue the engineering discipline that is key to power industrial progress in the east African nation.

Winners of this year's Africa Tech Challenge will be entitled to cash rewards and scholarships to pursue further studies in China.

Zhao revealed that some of the winners will also be employed by Chinese companies including AVIC International.

Female participants at this year's Africa Tech Challenge felt honored to participate in a contest that is male dominated.

Ajuma Perry, an engineering student at a leading public university in Kenya said her participation at the contest was a watershed moment for the bubbly youth.

"As a female engineering student, the Africa Tech Challenge refined my skills in a coveted discipline that is dreaded by many girls. We have gained new skills during the contest," Perry told Xinhua.

The Africa Tech Challenge has resonated with Kenyan youth determined to become self-reliant.

Bernard Salabo, a senior officer in the Ministry of Education, noted the China-funded technology contest has imparted lifelong skills to the Kenyan youth.

"Africa Tech Challenge has provided vocational skills to the youth to enable them to become self reliant. Participants can now start their own workshops to produce machine parts," Salabo told Xinhua, adding that technology and skills transfer that has blossomed courtesy of the Africa Tech Challenge will catalyze industrial progress in Kenya.

The Africa Tech Challenge has as well resonated with Kenyan youth with limited formal education.

Joseph Nyakundi, a former cleaner at Technical University of Kenya, was attracted by the China funded technology contest having witnessed its immense benefits.

"During my stint as a cleaner, I felt an urge to learn how to operate the machines. My curiosity paid off when I got a chance to train on how to operate the machines at the university workshop," Nyakundi told Xinhua.

The self-taught technician aspires to work as a machine operator in a reputable manufacturing plant. Endit