Microsoft Corp., under its 4Afrika Initiative, in partnership with the African Centre for Women in Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) has said its targeting over 150 female graduate students to help them gain umployable skills and find jobs.
Through the EmployMentor programme starting Monday, the 150 female graduate students have been selected from 24 universities across Kenya.
“Unemployment is a challenge for many youth, and initiatives such as EmployMentor can bridge the skills gap between academia and the working world,” said Kunle Awosika, Microsoft Kenya country manager. “Through the 4Afrika Initiative, Microsoft aims to play an active role in the evolution of Africa from a labour-based economy to a knowledge economy, by empowering local innovation, up-skilling youth with 21st century ICT skills and providing Internet access.”
During the EmployMentor week, all participants will engage in exciting mock interview and business case challenges, coupled with financial-modelling training that will help them experience a real-world business pitch and interview scenario. This could also lead to an interview for a position at Microsoft. In addition, a mobile app development and guest speaker series will be included in the weeklong event.
The firm will be working through its Tukoworks and the Microsoft Virtual Academy and Microsoft BizSpark, an online platform providing tools, resources, networking and training opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Successful startup owners will be connected to mentors to help them create business plans.