Safaricom, through its youth platform Safaricom Hook, has officially launched a nationwide series of upskilling bootcamps dubbed the ‘Safaricom Hook Circle’. This initiative aims to empower young people around three pillars: technology, careers, and culture.
Inaugural Bootcamp at Chuka University
The inaugural bootcamp, held at Chuka University in Tharaka Nithi County, saw over 4,000 participants from the university and surrounding areas engage in masterclasses led by expert partners.
Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer, Safaricom PLC, stated, “Safaricom Hook Circle aims to connect youth all over Kenya to opportunities that will propel them to succeed in their area of interest. In collaboration with our partners, we will provide youth in Kenya with the opportunity to learn relevant topics in financial literacy, tech-forward upskilling, career readiness, and culture as a form of expression and income.”
Culture Hook
The Culture Hook seeks to provide youth access to their passion points. Partners such as Elevate, Baze Radio, Boomplay, and Artfit conducted masterclasses on how to monetize content or break into the art and fashion scene.
Technology Hook
Under the Technology Hook, the bootcamp unpacked skills for a tech future, led by partners including Power Learn Project, Avunja Mobile, and Transsion.
Career Hook
The Career Hook aims to empower the youth to chase their hustle or fulfill their career ambitions. Partners such as Brighter Monday, Wowzi, Trace Academia, ABSA, and Twiva provided masterclasses.
Additional Support
Recognizing the importance of mental health and financial literacy, the bootcamp also featured sessions by Chiromo Hospital, Absa through its Ready to Work Program, and Old Mutual.
Future Prospects
Over the course of the Safaricom Hook Circle series:
- 600 youth are expected to receive technology scholarships from Power Learn Project.
- 4,000 youth will receive career training and 15 internship opportunities from Brighter Monday, which will also provide 60 CV upgrades.
- Transsion will offer device financing for Tecno, Infinix, and Itel devices.
- Twiva will provide influencer sales jobs for over 3,000 youth.
Young people across the country will also benefit from mentorship in tech careers, fashion, music, and other fields. The Safaricom Hook Circle is set to be a transformative initiative, connecting Kenya’s youth to opportunities that will help them thrive in their chosen paths.
