DOT Kenya Intern Lucy Kamau has been delivering the ReachUp! program through DOT partner organization Family Health Options Kenya since August 2011. The organization, which is based in Nairobi, focuses on providing social services to youth, including a clinic, counselling, peer education, and recreational activities. Lucy delivers DOT's ReachUp! program to youth who visit the centre.

The ReachUp! program delivers training in technology and business to young people in Nairobi and communities throughout Kenya. The ReachUp! program is facilitated by DOT Interns like Lucy, who are young, tech-savvy new graduates eager to give back and create change in their own communities.

In this Q&A Lucy tells us how she came to be involved with DOT Kenya, and a little about what her facilitation experience has been like.

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Lucy Muthoni Kamau. I am a Kenyan who is passionate about life and what it brings. I am focused and always ready to help the community in whatever way I can so we can build an better nation and people may work hard and achieve the goals in life.

I am an IT graduate and I have a mission to change the world through ICT. I love cooking, listening to music and travelling.

I have worked for DOT Kenya since 15th August 2011.

How did you first get involved with DOT?

After we graduated from college, a DOT Alumni, who was one of our trainers told us about DOT and how he has benefited from the program. So he suggested we join the program so we can gain skills from it. That's how I got involved with DOT for the first time.

You deliver the ReachUp! program at Family Health Options Kenya. Tell us about who the program is delivered to there.

The groups I have delivered ReachUp! to mainly consist of youth and high school leavers who are determined to start their own businesses, get basic knowledge on ICT and improve on their life skills in general. For those who have businesses running already, they are willing to learn more on how to better their businesses so that they may increase their income.

What is the impact of DOT's programs on your community?

DOT's programs have truly improved the lives of the people in the community. People have started viewing things in a different way by doing things differently and being positive. They have also learnt to set goals and achieve them within the desired time as the ReachUp! program says. Businesses that were going down due to poor management have improved drastically and the owners can testify to that.

The participants have embraced the program positively and are really excited about it. Some have never operated a computer in their entire lifetime so starting from scratch is challenging. They don't know how to turn on a computer, use a mouse, or type words. It can be challenging but I am patient and determined to help them in any way I can. The ReachUp! program turns lives around in just a few weeks -- by the end the participants comfortably operate a computer and have learnt the basics. At the end of training, my participants feel like they would do this over and over again.

What impact has being an intern had on you personally?

I have learnt a lot since I joined DOT. I have developed communication skills and am now able to speak in front of a large group with ease. I am now a good coach and I am able to advice people on their businesses and how to tackle the problems they might be having. I feel different now and I believe it's because of what I have gained from DOT. This is a great experience.

Have you met with any challenges while delivering your program, and if so how have you overcome them?

For one to succeed, one has to go through challenges so that you can learn and appreciate your accomplishments. In order to overcome any challenge, one has to face the problem and know the first steps to take before anything else. Setting goals and planning for each day was what made me overcome these challenges because when you don't plan, nothing will turn out as expected.

What do you hope to do after your Internship?

I have two businesses that I hope to focus. One is a web design company and the other is a card making business. I have a passion for design and both businesses require some knowledge in design and also creativity. I will be self employed and hopefully be one of the best entrepreneurs in the country.

What has been your favorite part of being a DOT Intern so far?

The first favorite part was when we went for the Face-to-Face training and I had an opportunity to interact with people from various regions in the country. I also enjoyed the the AITEC Summit where I learnt of some ICT applications which will change the world in the days to come.