Digital Opportunity Trust Kenya held a graduation ceremony for 65 MasterCard Foundation Interns who have, for a period of nine months been delivering DOT's flagship program, ReachUp!, in numerous youth centers around the country.
On May, 11, 2012 in Nairobi, Kenya - curtains came down for the second group of MasterCard Foundation-funded Interns after a long and exciting nine month journey of delivering ReachUp!, DOT's flagship economic program. The celebration was officiated by DOT's President and CEO Janet Longmore, who was accompanied by a number of distinguished guests and DOT Kenya local partners.
A total of 65 graduates from the Rift Valley, Coast, Nairobi, Western/Nyanza and North Eastern regions of Kenya graduated after having successfully undergone a rigorous interview process and intensive two week face-to-face training, culminating in a hands-on nine month period of facilitating DOT's ReachUp! program in over 120 youth polytechnics and community centers throughout Kenya. During their Internships, this group of DOT Kenya Interns impacted over 10,000 youth and women in Kenyan communities, enabling them to use technology to improve their daily lives and to recognize their dreams and aspirations.
In addition to delivering the ReachUp! program, the main focus of which is building sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and ICT skills, DOT Kenya encourages Interns to leave a lasting impression in the communities they serve and rewards Interns who go above and beyond to revolutionize their communities. Samuel Kasera was one such Intern. Samuel was awarded the Impact Award for the stellar impact his work had on ReachUp! participants during his internship. Samuel successfully trained and coached two of his participants to start livelihood projects in agriculture and education (a book store). Through his ReachUp! internship experience, Samuel also setup a fully functional computer center, and that centre has become one of DOT Kenya's newest ReachUp! training partners.
Speaking at the event, DOT President and CEO Janet Longmore, expressed her gratitude to the Interns for the great sacrifices that each of them had made in serving young people and women in their communities. She lauded The MasterCard Foundation for their immense support of DOT's mission and encouraged the young people in attendance at the ceremony to always set the bar high. "Set high personal standards and strive to achieve them," she said.
During closing the ceremony, DOT Kenya Country Director Evans Njoro also commended achievements of the DOT Kenya Interns and encouraged them to continue transforming their communities and maintain the DOT spirit of hard work and commitment throughout their lives.
Congratulations to all of the 65 graduated DOT Kenya Interns; we look forward to seeing you continue to impact your communities and supporting you as you become part of the vast, talented network of DOT Alumni who are changing the world.
7 Comments
It was indeed a wonderful day and being appreciated for our nine months journey was a humbling experience.Thanks to the DOT team that made this day a success and to our President for gracing the occcassion.
Congratulations to MCF2,9 months its a long journey indeed and you have persevered and at last light has been seen at the end of the tunnel.You are honoured guys.
It was a humbling experience...above all it was fun seeing the entire team after nine months!I loved the smiles and laughter that creamed the day.Thumbs up for the DOT Kenya team for the wonderful day.
This is so huge! I really admire:)
Congratulations to the 65 young Kenyans for successfully completing their nine months of Internship. It was a great and unique experience working with all of you. We wish you the very best in your life endevours and look forward to meeting up with you in the Alumni forums to come.
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