Feature: Kenya's under-privileged youth refine ICT skills through Huawei training program

Doreen Kajuju grew up in a rural village on the slopes of Mount Kenya where subsistence farming that was once a vibrant economic mainstay had taken a beating due to climatic stresses and population pressure.

The 22-year-old girl was exposed to financial constraints at a tender age but refused to give up on her quest for success in school in order to evade rural poverty.

Though an average student, Kajuju channeled more energy into mathematics and sciences that would pave way for a career in information and communications technology (ICT).

She was among 30 disadvantaged Kenyan youth who graduated on Wednesday from a six-week digital skills development program funded by Huawei.

During an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony in Nairobi, Kajuju lauded the Chinese telecommunications giant for providing her a platform to hone ICT and entrepreneurial skills.

"During my high school days, I yearned for a career in the ICT sector at a time when many girls shied from it. Despite financial pressure in my family, I devoted immense efforts to realize this dream," said Kajuju.

The high school graduate who is yet to enroll in a tertiary institution learnt about the Huawei program for under-privileged youth from peers.

"When my friends alerted me about this training program, I gladly applied for it and was shortlisted, to the surprise of everyone. The ICT training program was both enriching and pleasurable," said Kajuju.

During the program, Kajuju sharpened her skills in computer assembly, programming and digital entrepreneurship.

"At least I'm now well-conversant with computer hardware and programming thanks to the training. The boot camp exposed me to new friends and mentors who will be valuable in my future plans to become a techpreneur," Kajuju said.

Huawei and Kenya's ICT Authority implemented the digital skills development program for financially challenged youth to provide them with technical and soft skills that are critical to make them employable.

Esther Muchiri, the CEO of eMentoring Africa that was charged with training the youth, hailed their determination to succeed in life despite huge odds.

"Every youth who participated in the digital skills development program had an inspiring story to tell. Despite their humble backgrounds, their determination to acquire technical and life skills was unprecedented," Muchiri said.

She disclosed that the majority of the young trainees' demonstrated remarkable aptitude in computer hardware and use of the internet.

"Some of the trainees had already mastered computer assembly after one month while others developed a business plan for implementation once they were through with training," said Muchiri.

An opportunity to participate in the Huawei program was an eye opener for Sam Achila, a 23 year old aspiring rapper who grew up in a low income Nairobi suburb.

Achila was enthusiastic about honing ICT skills that were critical in the realization of his childhood dream of becoming a producer and singer.

"The training broadened my grasp of digital technologies and how they can be applied in the entertainment industry. As for now, I'm competent in producing and uploading music thanks to the intensive ICT training program," said Achila.

The affable youth said ICT skills are critical to solve unemployment challenges affecting his peers.

"Kenyan youth are in the frontline of transforming our economy through harnessing digital technologies," Achila remarked, adding that his ultimate goal is to establish a music production and distribution company that would provide jobs to his peers.

Huawei has supported technical skills development for Kenyan youth to enable them to become self reliant in the future.

Dean Yu, the CEO of Huawei in Kenya said the technology giant has prioritized digital skills development for disadvantaged youth to boost their employability or ability to start a business.

"Acquiring the ICT skills will boost the chances of youth from under-privileged backgrounds to secure gainful employment or start a profitable business," said Yu.

As for Nancy Mukami, a 29 year old small scale trader, an opportunity to participate in the Huawei funded digital skills development program fulfilled her dream of becoming an accomplished online trader.

Born and raised in a populous low income Nairobi suburb, Mukami has been engaging in casual labor that provided her with a seed capital to start a groceries business.

"It is now possible for me to start an online business now that I'm competent in using basic computer programs and the internet," said Mukami. Endit