Feature: China-funded vocational skills contest opens new door for Kenyan girl

The second time she has participated in a vocational skills contest funded by a Chinese firm for young Kenyans, Charity Ojwang said the competition has opened a new door for her.

Some 260 young Kenyans took part in this year's contest dubbed Africa Tech Challenge which was held in August and involves a month-long teaching by Chinese engineers about machine tools and mobile phone apps.

In an interview with Xinhua at her rural home in the Western Kenyan region of Busia, she said the competition had greatly improved her engineering.

"My most cherished moment is when I got an invitation to participate in the Africa Tech Challenge last year. The competition was rigorous and gave us the stamina to face the world with courage," Ojwang said.

Although growing up in her rural village limited her chance to be exposed to modern technology, Ojwang never wavered in her determination to pursue the engineering course that she was interested in.

To achieve her dream, she put extra efforts in mathematics and sciences, remaining fascinated by gadgets which she could assemble from time to time.

Her initial stint with Africa Tech Challenge in 2014 was challenging and exciting.

"During the technology boot camp last year, I experienced nervousness after being assigned tasks that were relatively new and complex," she said.

This year's Africa Tech Challenge was a bit different because we had become accustomed to the machines, she said, adding it was easier for her to operate the machines and produce shafts.

The contest has changed the young adult who previously struggled with what she said declining self-confidence.

"The most defining moment at the tech contest is meeting youngsters from diverse background who shared my passion in technology," Ojwang said.

Being one of the winners of the contest, Ojwang has been awarded by the Chinese company, AVIC International, a scholarship to pursue her master's degree in mechanical engineering in China.

She has vowed to utilize skills gained in China to mentor her siblings and young people from her native village.

"I still believe there is so much potential among the youth that goes to waste yet it can be channeled to proper use. Am in a better position to mentor the youth and help them become productive citizens," Ojwang said.

Speaking of her future career, the young girl said she wanted to work in a big company after completing her studies and would like to devote her spare time to teaching skills for young people.

The fourth born in a family of seven, Ojwang has become the pride for her parents who are both teachers.

"My expectation for my daughter is for her to remain a role model to her younger siblings. I believe she has a brighter future ahead and will accomplish greater things than her parents," her mother Gorrety Anyango, a kindergarten teacher, told Xinhua.

Her father, George Otsembo, who is also a teacher, hailed the cooperation between China and Kenya, especially the Chinese support in the education sector for young Kenyans.

"We have developed a special relationship with China in many fields and I am optimistic my daughter will obtain valuable skills during her further studies there," Otsembo said. Enditem