On Wed, Sep 9, 2009 at 12:04 PM, James Muendo <timrick@gmail.com> wrote:
Assumption 1: There is a high demand for well educated IT-professionals
in the Kenya market?
*Conclusion: True, although the field is highly competitive and by "well-educated" they mean well-trained and with quantifiable experience, professional certifications, etc*
There is the demand by very little government or private sector help to get training centers established. If there are organizations who want to fund the establishment of high quality low cost training centers, please email me.
**
Assumption 2: There are not enough young people who can afford a degree in ICTs, and therefore not enough qualified students to fill all of the jobs?
*Conclusion: Not too sure about that because I know many well-trained ICT degree holders who do not have jobs*
Have to agree here. There needs to be a better link up between those who need jobs and those who are looking for them.
Assumption 3: Providing low-interest loans would help young people get
the training they need and supply the market with the talent it demands?
We are starting a new program here in Kenya called the University of the People that will provide FREE Bachelor of Computer Science degrees to Form 4 graduates online. Contact me for details.
**
Assumption 4: It is difficult to get a loan in Kenya meaning the country lacks enough people with the right ICT training?
**Again, the University of the People is FREE. Thus in 4 years young
people can have a BA without paying anything.
Assumption 5: Most students who do graduate with a background in ICTs get a job and can easily pay back their loans?
Should I say it again?
There are ways to deal with these issues, but it will require a more concerted effort and bring together the right people. It will also require the political will to make the necessary changes in terms of infrastructure and public services.
Many blessings, Crystal
On Wed, Sep 9, 2009 at 11:37 AM, Ben White <bwhite@hivos.nl> wrote:
Today I read about the need to train young people in ICTs. But the idea builds on several key assumptions and I wanted to see if members of this group could either confirm or dispel them.
Assumption 1: There is a high demand for well educated IT-professionals in the Kenya market?
Assumption 2: There are not enough young people who can afford a degree in ICTs, and therefore not enough qualified students to fill all of the jobs?
Assumption 3: Providing low-interest loans would help young people get the training they need and supply the market with the talent it demands?
Assumption 4: It is difficult to get a loan in Kenya meaning the country lacks enough people with the right ICT training?
Assumption 5: Most students who do graduate with a background in ICTs get a job and can easily pay back their loans?
Are these assumptions grounded in reality and is this the complete story? Any thoughts or ideas on this matter are most welcome!
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-- Shiro Njagi
The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.
~~Maya Angelou~~
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-- James M. Muendo Timsoft Technologies & Solutions Ltd. P.O Box 28016 - 00200, Nairobi. Mobile: +254725567508 skype:tim.rick
http://rickdeesadvantage.blogspot.com/
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-- Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Kigoni Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development crystal@voicesofafrica.org http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi