Huawei Seeds for the Future Program Sends Kenyan Students to China for Digital Skills Training

The 2024 Huawei Seeds for the Future program has commenced, welcoming 25 outstanding students from various Kenyan universities.

This marks the tenth cohort since the program’s inception in 2014 and is the first group to experience in-person training after four years of virtual sessions.

The program aims to nurture local ICT talent by facilitating knowledge transfer at both local and international levels. It seeks to foster a deeper understanding and interest in technology, encouraging participation in Kenya’s burgeoning digital economy.

Through the Seeds for the Future program, young people globally gain exposure to advanced ICT technologies, building expertise and skills that contribute to the industry’s progress.

In her keynote address, Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala highlighted the Ministry of Education’s commitment to integrating technology into the learning process.

She emphasized the program’s role in equipping Kenyan university students with essential digital skills, enabling them to engage with mainstream technologies before entering the workforce. “The Seeds for the Future program is a platform for exchanging ideas, improving ICT knowledge, and enhancing practical skills,” she stated.

The selected students have already completed a five-day virtual training on cloud technology, conducted by a Huawei ICT Academy professional lecturer.

They will participate in a digital tour of Nairobi, including visits to the Huawei training center and Konza Technopolis, before embarking on a one-week digital and cultural tour in China. During this tour, students will work on a group project, Tech4Good, which leverages technology to address social and environmental issues. Successful teams will compete at the global level.

Mr. Thomas Bwaley, Director of Programmes and Standards at ICT Authority, commended Huawei for their decade-long commitment to Kenya and for providing programs that address the real needs of students and the country.

He stressed the importance of digital skills for growing the digital economy and noted the fruitful collaboration between the ICT Authority and Huawei in implementing the Seeds for the Future program.

Huawei Kenya’s Deputy CEO, Mr. Steven Zhang, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education and the ICT Authority for their support. He revealed that Huawei has partnered with over 50 academic institutions in Kenya, thanks to the Ministry’s assistance.

The ICT Authority has been a steadfast partner since the first Memorandum of Understanding in 2014, jointly promoting the program.

Highlighting the program’s impact, Danton Kipkurui, the Seeds for the Future Global Ambassador, shared his positive experience. He described the program as a community of passionate individuals committed to using technology for positive change.

The Seeds for the Future program ultimately aims to develop local ICT talent, facilitate knowledge transfer, enhance interest in the technology sector, and boost regional participation in Kenya’s growing digital community.