In today's ever changing,
globalised world, information is power, and quick action is everything. For the
Kenyan youth, the chance to compete and thrive on an international stage has
never been more accessible.
In fact, the Kenyan youth have a serious upper hand
now and statistics don’t lie. Look at this! As of 2022, Kenya’s literacy rate
among youth aged 15 to 24 was about 95.7 per cent, with an overall adult
literacy rate (15 years and above) of 82.9 per cent, this is according to World
Bank data and the World Population Review. Bilateral opportunities such as
scholarships offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and events
like the upcoming second German-Kenyan job fair on October 14 and 15 are among
the many promising avenues awaiting exploration by the youth, now armed with
their certificates.
DAAD’s postgraduate scholarships
and other funded programmes are not just about studying abroad; they’re about
building bridges between knowledge, cultures and careers.
Not forgetting that
DAAD has promoted the internationalisation of education, scholarships, north to
south and south to south cooperation since 1925, thus this year DAAD marks 100
years globally, and more than 50 years of funding opportunities to Kenyans and
the greater East African region. With Germany being one of the world’s leading
economies and innovation hubs, studying there gives Kenyan students access to
world-class education, cutting-edge research and international networks that
can transform both personal and national futures.
Likewise, the upcoming
German-Kenyan job fair, where DAAD will also be present, is a recruitment event,
as well as a gateway to global exposure, global employment, internships and
professional exposure. It is a rare chance to meet potential employers and
scholarships, and discuss how you merit, and who knows what next! Young Kenyans
have so far been well trained in technical, vocational and academic fields have
the chance to connect directly with employers seeking fresh talent, innovation
and cross-cultural collaboration. Many Kenyan youth also have the language
skills needed to communicate well and work to the required levels.
Nevertheless, our youth should
understand that access to these life-changing opportunities begin with drive.
The truth is, with the older folk having many stories to tell, they will tell
you that opportunities won’t chase you you must chase them. The youth, who form
the biggest population of those unemployed in Kenya and Africa just need the
right mindset, research, open to new languages and the readiness to step out of
their comfort zones, basically what is familiar. Studying, a path to the right
skills and working abroad, is one of the biggest stepping-stones and paths to
cross-cultural understanding that anyone can ever immerse themselves in.
How do you approach scholarships
and other opportunities? It starts with asking questions, attending events,
checking requirements keenly, applying for programmes and, for jobs, networking
boldly is the secret. Globally, the youth who succeed are not always the most
gifted but the most prepared, so, in other words, the Kenyan youth should stay
informed and be pro-active of these opportunities and other beneficial ones.
The world is now wider than ever, and our young minds deserve their place, as
well, on the global stage. The youth need to remember that only limit is the
effort they are willing to put in.
