Intern Profiles

Caroline Lunani — by Joan Walumbe — last modified 2008-05-23 13:46

Being a DOT intern has given me the opportunity of a lifetime for people to get to know me and vice versa. It is not only an interest but a need to reach up to the youth, women and children in our community to improve their economic status, by empowering them with the useful skills that they can use to create and develop sustainable livelihoods giving them the benefits of ICT business related skills to kick start their livelihood it is a great joy to be a part of someone else’s success.

Mark Kisienya — by Joan Walumbe — last modified 2008-06-03 04:45

I decided to join DOT Kenya because of what it stands for -a community centred organization, mandated to promote entrepreneurship and increasing youth employment, career skills and experience in a competitive environment and market. I realized that this organisation would help me to gain new skills and learn new ones, hence, the decision to join the DOT team.

Gideon Olieki Kato — by Joan Walumbe — last modified 2008-06-30 05:46

During my work with community participants, I have discovered how desperate for knowledge the otherwise ignored members of society are and their desire to keep up with the dynamic global economy. I consider it a privilege to be able to help meet this deep desire in the society, thanks to the DOT Reach Up! Program.

Patricia Oyoyo — by Joan Walumbe — last modified 2008-06-12 06:08

My experience during the DOT-K REACH UP! Training was fun, marvelous…. and very educative....The first week was mainly orientation and online training followed by two weeks of an exciting face to face training led by Anne Williams from New York and Laurie Abu-Saoud from DOT U.S.A. I met fellow interns and shared a lot of knowledge and laughter with them.

Mark Omollo — by Joan Walumbe — last modified 2008-08-29 06:43

I’ve discovered how powerful positive influence is and that given a chance, I am a great leader. I have found myself exercising leadership almost spontaneously in most situations and always feeling an urge to impact a life. In fact, my personal project changed when I noticed so many despairing young women all over my surrounding. These are ladies who became mothers at a very early age. Being held in high esteem has resulted in my being sought out for various activities in and around my community of practice. This too has had an impact on my confidence and self esteem.

Angela Tatua — by Joan Walumbe — last modified 2008-08-29 11:52

For a very long time youths in my community have been viewed as idle, hopeless and not contributing much to the society but through my interaction with them I have come to see that they have a lot of skills and great strengths but lack the vision to actualize their dreams. The joint efforts of DOT and the input of the interns accord these youth the opportunity to use their skills to develop their sustainable livelihood and become great contributors to our country.

Jackson Tiema — by Joan Walumbe — last modified 2008-10-14 11:37

So far, I have trained 60 participants of whom 35 have started sustainable livelihood projects while 12 have secured job opportunities applying the ICT and Entrepreneurship skills in ventures such as M-pesa dealerships (a service by one mobile service provider to send money through the mobile phone), printing bureaux, shops and other businesses. During this period I’ve had an opportunity to develop and improve on various skills and competencies which include leadership i.e. relationship building, team contribution and role development; project management, facilitation, coaching, conducting research and advocacy.

Anne Jaoko — by Joan Walumbe — last modified 2008-10-14 11:38

Interaction with the participants during the ReachUp! training is very vibrant and intense because they are very willing to learn and get to know more about the program and also to implement what they have learnt. Many have returned for drop-in sessions after the training, for coaching on how they can develop their business ideas. There have been several success stories from the participants who have their businesses running. Caroline Nyawir is offering catering services and at a very affordable rate. She even offers the services to the DOT Kenya Western and Nyanza team when we have our monthly meetings.

Elizabeth Ndanu Muthui — by Joan Walumbe — last modified 2008-11-14 09:55

DOT has been an eye opener especially in the developmental sector. I learned a lot of theory I college and working with DOT has put this knowledge into perspective.