Safaricom, through its youth platform Safaricom Hook, has officially launched a series of nationwide upskilling bootcamps dubbed the ‘Safaricom Hook Circle.’
These bootcamps are designed to empower young people in Kenya, focusing on three key pillars: technology careers, culture, and career development.
The program aims to connect youth to opportunities that can propel them towards success in their areas of interest.
The inaugural event took place at Chuka University in Tharaka Nithi County, attracting over 4,000 participants. These included students from the university and individuals from surrounding areas.
The attendees engaged in masterclasses led by expert partners in various fields.
Safaricom Hook, launched last year by Safaricom, is designed to empower the youth by leveraging the power of technology.
The platform focuses on three key hooks: career, culture, and technology, and aims to nurture and support the aspirations of the Gen Z demographic.
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By being a technology enabler, Safaricom Hook seeks to transform lives through custom-made offerings that leverage Safaricom’s extensive mobile network.
Eligible customers, aged 10 to 24 years, can join the platform through the Safaricom Hook app or via USSD code *555#.
Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
“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: Unlocking Passion and Monetization
The Culture Hook component of the bootcamp is designed to help young people explore and monetize their passions.
Partners such as Elevate, Baze Radio, Boomplay, and Artfit delivered masterclasses focusing on how to break into the arts, music, and fashion industries, while also providing insights into monetizing creative content.
Technology Hook: Preparing for the Future
Under the Technology Hook, the bootcamp provided participants with essential skills for thriving in the tech industry.
Partners like Power Learn Project, Avunja Mobile, and Transsion shared valuable insights on what the future of technology looks like and how to remain competitive in the field.
Career Hook: Empowering Youth for Career Success
The Career Hook pillar focused on equipping young people with the skills needed to pursue their career goals.
Partners such as Brighter Monday, Wowzi, Trace Academia, ABSA, and Twiva offered masterclasses that provided guidance on career readiness, job hunting, and self-employment opportunities.
The bootcamp also covered crucial topics like mental health and financial literacy, with sessions conducted by Chiromo Hospital and ABSA through its ‘Ready to Work’ program.
Old Mutual also contributed to the financial literacy discussions, emphasizing long-term planning for success.
Future Opportunities for Youth Development
Throughout the Safaricom Hook Circle bootcamps, significant opportunities will be provided to participants. Some of the highlights include:
- 600 technology scholarships offered by Power Learn Project.
- Career training for 4,000 youth and 15 internship placements through Brighter Monday, which will also provide 60 CV upgrades.
- Transsion will facilitate device financing for youth interested in purchasing Tecno, Infinix, and Itel devices.
- Twiva will provide over 3,000 youth with opportunities for influencer sales jobs.
- Additionally, participants will benefit from mentorship opportunities in various fields, including tech careers, fashion, and music.
With these initiatives, Safaricom aims to impact youth across Kenya by providing them with the skills and opportunities necessary for personal and professional growth.
