16th – 17th August, 2016 – An Innovators Boot Camp that was organized by Global Peace Foundation Kenya in partnership with Airtel Kenya was held at Alliance High School to inspire youth and promote their role in social transformation. Held under the theme ” Raising Moral and Innovative Leaders for Economic Growth” the boot camp aimed at recognizing youth innovations in promoting to sustainable economic growth in the country.
The opening ceremony for the two day event was officiated by the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology, Mr. Joe Mucheru who lauded Global Peace Foundation, Airtel Kenya, KCB foundation and other involved parties for their continued commitment to raise young entrepreneurs and technology-based ventures through education and mentorship.
The Cabinet Secretary inspired participating youth with a narration of his personal experience from a humble background to the position of a Cabinet Secretary and urged them to work hard and have determination. He also challenged them to own smartphones to enable them access to information and vital services through technology.
Airtel Kenya CEO, Mr. Adil El Youssefi confirmed their commitment to support youth explore their full potential.
“Through our partnership with GPF and the Chandaria Foundation, we are providing avenues for young upcoming entrepreneurs to harness the power of the internet and digital tools for business innovation and personal development hence building lifelong skills,” he reiterated.
“Free access to the internet by Airtel enables them seek more knowledge, challenge their beliefs and strengthen their character and expertise,” he added.
In his remarks the Executive Director, Global Peace Foundation Kenya Daniel Juma challenged the youth to embrace the use of technology to solve challenges in our society today. He said that youth today have everything they need to succeed at their disposal and that through the Youth Innovators Boot camp, GPF envisions to nurture the creativity and innovation of youth whom he believes are a solution to the global unemployment crisis.
The event brought together mentors from twelve different organizations which include Airtel Networks Kenya Ltd, Computer for Schools Kenya (CFSK), Google East Africa, Intelsoftplus, Cisco Systems, Oracle, Taxi Chap Chap, Ihub, Nailab, M-Lab, Copy Cat and E-Mobilis.
Other dignitaries who graced the opening ceremony include: Dr. Manu Chandaria, Patron, GPF Kenya, Dr. Tony Devine, Vice President, GPF International, Mr. Daniel Juma, Executive Director, GPF Kenya, Mr. Joshua Oigara, group CEO, KCB, Mr. Stephen Njoroge, Director, Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), Mr. Michael Murungi, Policy and Governance Manager, East Africa-Google, among others.
The opening ceremony was followed by presentations from different speakers through breakout sessions and later on a training on leadership.
The second day of the boot camp entailed presentation of students’ projects to panelists which exposed up to 60 Leap Hubs students with innovative ideas to mentorship and constructive engagement. Kariobangi North Girls’ Secondary School and Moi Forces Academy respectively emerged winners with best ideas and were announced during a networking dinner that was held at the Villarosa Kempinski Hotel. The emerging students were awarded with scholarship and mentorship to fully implement their ideas.
List of participating schools during the Boot Camp: Moi Forces Academy, Alliance High School, St. Mary’s Ukwala Boys’ High School, Mary Leakey Girls’ High School, Mariakani Secondary School, Starehe Girls’ Centre, Eastleigh High School, Kariobangi North Girls’ Secondary School, Machakos School, Kaimosi Girls’ High School, Precious Blood Girls’ Riruta , Matuga Girls Secondary School.
The mentors were drawn from twelve different organizations which include Airtel Networks Kenya Ltd, Computer for Schools Kenya (CFSK), Google East Africa, Intelsoftplus, Cisco Systems, Oracle, Taxi Chap chap, Ihub, Nailab, M-Lab, Copy Cat and E-Mobilis.
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Media links
Airtel, Global Peace Foundation host 1,600 Students at National Innovation Boot Camp
Nurture student innovations by strengthening ICT