Huawei Technologies, the leading Chinese global provider of information and communications technology infrastructure and smart devices, continues to roll out international training programmes that are helping to nurture global talent and drive innovation for the future.
Kenyan University students have been the biggest beneficiaries of the programme since its inception in the country. More and more young Kenyans are being enlisted in the programme each year as the government encourages the development of more local ICT talent.
The latest round has seen 25 students admitted into the program, 10 of which will stand a chance to travel to China for a digital and cultural tour as the program resumes its physical execution.
Speaking during the launch of the 2024 programme, Huawei Kenya’s Deputy CEO Mr. Steven Zhang thanked the Ministry of Education and the country’s ICT Authority for supporting the training program and other ICT-related initiatives spearheaded by the company.
He emphasized the objective of the programme to give young people exposure to practical industry knowledge and ability as well as the cross-cultural experiences that will help to cultivate in them an entrepreneurial spirit.
Zhang further assured those enrolled in the program that they will be exposed not just to new ideas but with opportunities that will positively transform their lives.
The Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala termed the programme transformative. She described the Seeds for The Future program as an initiative that provides Kenyan university students with relevant digital skills training, enabling them to better engage with the most mainstream technologies before entering society.
“It is a platform that allows its recipients to exchange ideas, and improve their ICT knowledge and practical skills,” said the PS during the launch of this year’s programme
Some of the previous beneficiaries of Seeds for the Future were also in attendance and all had good things to say about the programme.
“I found the Seeds for the Future program amidst the pandemic, and it was the best experience to keep up with the upskilling momentum. The skills learned in the program are skills you will carry all through as you advance in your technology career” said Sylvia Kipkemoi, an alumnus of the programme.
Danton Kipkirui from Moi University, who is also a beneficiary, challenged this year’s cohort to be inspired by the opportunity accorded to them by the Chinese company and be the change-makers of the country and the world.
“To me, Huawei Seeds for the Future is more than just a program; it is a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about using technology to make a difference,” said Kipkirui, one of the 10 global ambassadors picked to visit China later in the year.
Seeds for the Future Program is Huawei’s global Corporate Social Responsibility flagship program that was launched in 2008.
Since 2014, Huawei and the ICT Authority have worked together to build a stronger ICT ecosystem through promoting ICT skills and capacity through the program in Kenya thus helping ICT professionals fill the gaps between theory and practice and master the required skills.
The program seeks to develop local ICT talent, enhance knowledge sharing, and improve people’s understanding of and interest in the ICT industry. One other major component of the programme is the challenge given to participants to find solutions for global and social issues through technology.
Over the last 9 years, the program has enlisted over 240 students through training virtually and at the Huawei offices in Nairobi, and out of these 47 have traveled to China for further two-week training on the latest technological innovations at the Huawei headquarters. What’s more, Huawei has employed some of the participants.
Seeds for the Future targets talented university students, persons interested in ICT, and entrepreneurship, as well as those passionate about telecoms and technology trends. The programme, this year, will give focus on exposing participants to cutting-edge Technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, and Artificial Intelligence.
