Using Technology to ReachUP!

In the Spring of 2009, Partners Worldwide, in conjunction with Digital Opportunity Trust, began an exciting program called ReachUP!, placing eight recent Kenyan college graduates as technology interns with eight Kenyan affiliates and partner organizations.

For a small fee,  affiliate members and those in the community can participate in an eight week introductory training program to learn computer basics along with Microsoft applications and most importantly learn how such tools can add value to their businesses.  The interns were specifically trained how to connect the curriculum with practical tools for managing a business.  The business topics covered included assessing business opportunities in the marketplace, basic record keeping and writing business plans.  As time allowed, many of the trainees met individually with the interns, who provide one on one consulting to address specific needs.  Each affiliate received two to three computers donated by Computers for Schools Kenya that were awarded to the top graduates.  

At the half way point, over 200 people have completed the course, some starting new businesses and others running their businesses better because of the classes.

Isaac Masaluvu was an intern at the Nziu Youth Vocational Center and shared this story about his experience:

Meet Lawrence Mwanzia, a 20yr old who hadn’t finished high school and was waiting for his 7 siblings to finish their primary education before he could attend college. Lawrence proved to be a fast learner and he began to assist the slow learners, explored the computers and started demanding more than the class was offering.  After getting through all the class modules, Lawrence revealed his desire to become a computer service provider, but was worried how he would get his hands on the necessary resources. I encouraged him to write a business plan, and two weeks later, he asked me to help install a computer and a color printer at his new business location! He is now the only computer services provider in town, printing all sorts of business cards, exams for schools, etc. using his newly acquired skills and sees himself earning enough to get him to college. To cap it all, Lawrence is also a proud owner of a manual camera for photography (his passion) and whenever we have a new lot of participants in the training classes, he shows up brandishing it ready to shoot some photos. The first day he had turned up, I was thinking maybe it was something to do with a computer issue, but when I enquired, Lawrence pulled out his camera and quipped ‘OPPORTUNITY MARKETPLACE’.  I had to let him disrupt my session.

ReachUP! Kenya is a win-win-win program. The affiliates are equipped with computer training centers and have indigenous experts to do business consulting with their members. Kenyan interns  gain valuable hands-on experience, an important advantage in the job market.  Students and businesspeople are receiving knowledge that they can put to use right away in their own businesses or begin new business with a deeper knowledge.