Tell us about yourself?

Chris Wasike: My name is Chris Wasike. I am an IT graduate from Mombasa Polytechnic University College,  passionate for youth development,  currently am delivering a DOT ReachUp! Program in Msambweni under the Ministry of Youths and Sports.

Wilson Odour with ReachUp! participants

Ainayat Adam: My name is Ainayat Adam with a Bachelor of Science (Biological sciences) from Eger ton University-Kenya and Computer programming at Institute of Advanced Technology.

The strengths that stand out in me are that I strive to achieve the best standards. I have a passion to offer the community my services in order to make them better people in this society. I have been greatly involved with my community in terms of development.

Wilson Odour: I am Wilson Onyango Oduor. I Graduated with B. Sc Economics and Mathematics from Kabarak University. I am currently winding up my internship at Sombeza Community Knowledge Centre- Mariakani. I pride myself with good field data collection, compilation, data entry and analysis skills. I also have a sound knowledge of Ms Office applications and statistical software's such as SPSS, SAS.

As an intern, I have been able to adapt quickly and efficiently to my working environment. My exceptional interpersonal skills have enabled me to integrate with my colleagues and community members and develop valuable friendships. I have picked up skills quickly and apply them successfully, through both the use of initiative and the ability to comprehend instructions.

I am a self disciplined, self motivated, team player and hardworking guy and open to new approaches and ideas. I have ability to organize, prioritize, manage multiple tasks, dig deeper into issues and pay attention into detail. I am also an effective communicator who will inspire confidence in any employer.

 My interests are data collection and analysis and their application in our economic growth. My hobbies are playing chess and volleyball, blogging, networking, traveling, reading the Bible and scouting

How has been your experience while in the field?

Chris: Was fine and of lesson learnt, was able to gain in all perspective.

Ainayat: Working in my own community has been very interesting and I have learnt much from my fellow youths within the region. My network has grown too, through mobilization and trainings.

During this period I've had an opportunity to develop and improve on various skills and competencies which include leadership; project management, facilitation, coaching, conducting research and advocacy.

Wilson: I have learned to work and create new ways to do things and improve it.  I have been able to work closely with people from different backgrounds and create good relationships, presentation and communication skills with a great ability for decision making, problem solving and knowledge of new technologies and their practical applications. This has helped me to increase my network and get more friends. I have also been able to adapt to new situations and become a quick learner with a desire for continuous personal growth. In addition, I have become a reliable hard working and dedicated team player who works well under pressure.

DOT Kenya Intern Ainyat Adam

What has been the greatest achievement so far that you pride yourself with?

Chris: Being able to find a centre and do advocacy without any training was a bit boost for me.  Being a trainer, coach and role model to senior officials in my community like policemen, teachers, government officials and my community members at large was a plus on me because at the end of it have seen them opening business opportunities in different sectors ranging from computer services bureaus, computer accessories and even youth have been able to secure jobs through internet services.

Ainayat: My greatest would be training people in my community in the hundreds.  It shows that I have empowered more than 100 people in my community hence capacity built my community. I am also glad that many of my participants have actually started their projects!

Wilson: My greatest contribution to my community lies in the lives that I have impacted. My former participants have made a difference in our community, as they share their success stories with me and I witness the contributions that each of these people are making in our community.  I feel important and worthwhile to see my community who have taken knowledge and memories that make them to improve their sustainable livelihood and want to continue learning throughout their lives. I have made a difference when I have done everything in my power for every community participant within my care to educate them and give them a hope of living and prosperity. Seeing these community participants excel and reach their greatest potential is my greatest reward.

Any challenges you faced while in the field?

Chris: Just after deployment getting participants in Msambweni wasn't easy, had to walk long distances and encourage youth for advocacy purposes, but from the participants taking the ReachUp! Program has been able to recommend others.

Ainayat: I have faced several challenges in mobilizing centers and participants; nevertheless, no challenge was left unsolved. How did you handle them? I networked more and had support from fellow youth, groups and institutions. 

Wilson: In my first Month of internship period I was almost giving up since I had no center to facilitate and no identity documents.  How did you handle them? I struggled to look for centers from one village to another. I thank God for giving me courage since I went forward to build a good relationship with those managers who finally connected me to centers.

Most memorable moment as an intern?

Chris: Round table meetings (Regional Meeting every month) whereby we reconnect with other interns from different communities  within our region to share our experiences, challenges and looking for the way forward. It was encouraging and fun

DOT Kenya Intern Chris Wasike

Ainayat: My first class and centre. I never thought I could be so tough and at the same time lovable to all!

Wilson: Interacting and inspiring my community members has been amazing. This has proved to me how much I can inspire people and create a working nation - A society full of passion to contribute to economic growth. I'm still amazed that many of them have kept what I thought them in their day to day activities. I have made such a difference while giving back to my community.

Advice to incoming interns?

Chris: Being an intern needs commitment and tolerance. You will need to be flexible and ready to go an extra mile, especially for those in Msambweni.

Ainayat: Have passion for what you are doing and what you will do. And of course, don't pretend to be someone you are NOT!

Wilson: Internship is totally giving back to your community. I have seen wonders throughout my internship period. Internship has given me a chance to apply my knowledge in the real world and also learn new skills. I urge future interns to take their internship with lot of passion, work hard with a smile in their face and they will make the most difficult tasks look easy.

Parting shot?

Chris: God bless DOT . I  wish new interns success.  I have gained a lot during this 10 month as an Intern, coach, mentor and ambassador of change in my community.

Ainayat: Where there is a will there is a way…….Thank you DOT for everything.

Wilson: What I have done for myself alone dies with me; what I have done for others and the world remains and it is immortal. It was immense pleasure working with DOT Kenya. Thanks lot for being my friend, thinking about me, caring for me and for everything you did to me. The world is a better place because of folk like you who take the time to do nice things the way you always do. I appreciate the time DOT took to work with me and I am very interested to work for you more and more.

Thank you Ainayat, Wilson and Chris.