WHAT KEEPS ME AWAKE!
I am deeply passionate about empowering youth to lead better lives. In today's rapidly evolving world, technology offers incredible opportunities for young people to improve their circumstances and contribute positively to their communities. I believe that by providing the right resources and support, we can unlock their full potential and help them build brighter futures.
WHAT THE NUMBERS ARE TELLING US
The tech industry is experiencing significant growth worldwide. Globally, the tech sector is expanding at a rate of 5% annually, creating millions of new jobs. In Africa, the potential is equally promising. By 2030, the continent is expected to have over 1.2 billion internet users, driving an increasing demand for tech professionals. This growth highlights the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills to thrive in this dynamic field.
To succeed in the tech industry, obtaining relevant certifications is crucial. Some of the top certifications currently in demand include AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). These certifications can significantly enhance career prospects and open doors to numerous opportunities.
Despite the increasing number of young people getting trained or certified in technology, there is still a significant gap between training and employment. In Africa, thousands of young tech enthusiasts are trained annually, but only a fraction secure jobs in their field. For instance, in Kenya, only about 20% of trained tech professionals find relevant employment, highlighting the need for better support systems.
WHY THE GAP
1. Skill gaps
Tech moves at lightning speed these days. It feels like there's always some new tool or programming language popping up. How's anyone supposed to keep up with all that? It's tough, especially when you're already juggling a full-time job and life stuff. Before you know it, your skills can start feeling a bit outdated.
2. Career stagnation
Getting stuck in a career rut is super common. You might wake up one day and realize you've been doing the same thing for years. Maybe you're not learning anything new, or you're just not excited about your work anymore. It's like being on a hamster wheel - you're moving, but not really going anywhere.
3. Limited access to vast job opportunities in the marketplace
There are so many cool jobs out there, but how do you even find out about them? If you don't have a big network, it's hard to hear about openings or get your foot in the door. And forget about those "hidden" jobs that never even get posted publicly.
A CASE FOR TECH COMMUNITIES
Tech communities is here to bridge this gap, young people need key things:
1. Networking
A tech community is like a big, friendly club for people who love technology. You get to meet lots of new people who are into the same stuff as you. It's a great way to make friends, find mentors, or even meet future work partners. You never know - the person you chat with at a meetup might end up being your next boss or business partner!
2. Knowledge sharing
In a tech community, everyone's learning from each other all the time. It's like a never-ending study group, but way more fun. If you're stuck on a problem, there's always someone who's been there before and can help out. And when you figure something out, you get to share it with others too. It's a give-and-take that helps everyone grow smarter together.
3. Exposure
Being part of a tech community is like opening a window to the whole tech world. You get to see and try out new technologies before everyone else. You hear about job openings first. You might even get chances to speak at events or show off projects you've worked on. It's a great way to get your name out there and be known as well as making a lasting contribution in the tech world .
4. Mentorship
Plus, mentors can be game-changers for your career. They can show you the ropes, help you avoid mistakes, and maybe even put in a good word for you with higher-ups. But finding a good mentor? That's like looking for a needle in a haystack if you don't have a solid network.
And let's be real - sometimes it's not what you know, it's who you know. When you're competing against a ton of other qualified people, having someone vouch for you can make all the difference. But if your network is small, you're missing out on those personal recommendations that could give you an edge.
CONCLUSION
So, here's the deal: We've got all these young techies out there, right? But they're kinda stuck between learning stuff and actually landing jobs. That's where tech communities come in. It's like creating a cool hangout spot where these techies can meet up, swap ideas, and find out about job openings.
I've seen it work, and let me tell you, it's pretty amazing. We're talking hundreds of young folks who've totally turned their lives around. And it's not just about them - they're out there making a real difference in their communities too.
That's why I'm all fired up about building more of these tech communities in East Africa, starting right here in Kenya. I'm telling you, this stuff is my passion. That is why it keeps me awake at night and also forms part of my breakfast.
I can't stop thinking about how much good we could do. It's like, every time I close my eyes, I see all these young people crushing it in tech jobs, you know?
Anyway, I've got loads more to say about why these tech communities are so awesome. But I'll save that for my next post. Don't wanna bore you all in one go! 😉
Stay tuned, folks. This is gonna be good!
REFERENCE
Top Certificates
AWS UserGroup Kenya
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