IWD 2023: Q&A With ICT Student Priscilla
At RefuSHE, we believe that teaching digital skills to women and girls is imperative to furthering gender equality in Kenya and across the globe. In celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” we are sharing a special Q&A series with the staff and students behind RefuSHE’s digital learning programs! Join us for an exclusive look at our work from the women gaining (and teaching) the skills refugees need to thrive in the modern work world.
Our on-campus ICT Lab officially launched in 2021 and is a hub for local women looking to enter the digital marketplace and increase their earning potential from anywhere in the world. The program curriculum takes six months to complete, and participants receive access to other services on our Nairobi-based campus like talk therapy, somatic healing, on-site daycare, nutritious meals, documentation assistance, and financial inclusion. Over the next two years, RefuSHE will train 180 young refugee women in digital skills and link them to job opportunities in the growing online freelance economy.
Q: What is your name and age?
A: My name is Priscilla and I am 19 years old.
Q: Tell us a bit about you. How long have you lived in Nairobi? Do you currently have a job?
A: I am a student who just completed my high school education last year at Dagoretti Secondary School. My hobbies include modeling and singing. I am the second born in my family of nine girls.
I am originally from South Sudan and have lived in Nairobi for ten years.
Currently, I do not have a job, but I am excited to get one in the near future.
Q: How did you learn about RefuSHE’s ICT program? Why did you want to enroll?
A: I learned about RefuSHE’s ICT program from a friend who told me about the program. I was interested and she sent the link where I applied for the program. I wanted to enroll because I want to gain knowledge and skills in ICT. When the opportunity came, I jumped to join the program.
Q: What is your favorite thing you have learned in the class so far?
A: So far we have learned many things, including how to create Gmail and LinkedIn accounts, how to use Google Calendar and Google Drive, how to create a digital folder, how to use Microsoft Office, and how to write professional emails and CVs.
My favorite lesson has been on creating CVs because I am sure this will be helpful for me as I approach the job market, laying a foundation for my career.
Q: Is there anything about the program that’s been challenging?
A: I have not had any challenges in the program as the trainers have been helpful and friendly assisting with anything I do not understand.
Q: What are you hoping to gain from the ICT program?
A: I believe after this program I will be able to work online and be financially independent through the skills gained in the ICT program.
Q: What are your plans for after you complete the ICT program?
A: After I complete the program I would like to proceed to the next level and further my studies. My hope would be to get a job in ICT and eventually the Aircraft Industry.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: My dream job is to be an Air Hostess.
Q: Do you have a role model? If yes, why do you look up to them?
A: My mother is my role model. I look up to her because despite all she has gone through, being a single mother and not having a formal job, she is committed and determined to take care of us.
Through UNHCR, she received essential support and managed to enroll all of her children in school. My mother never gave up.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
A: I thank RefuSHE for the support they offer that includes bus fare which makes it easier for me to attend my classes. As I look forward to going to University for further studies I would be grateful for a scholarship and am hopeful I can work hard and prove myself.