A group of American entrepreneurs and academicians has challenged Kenyan students to prepare for a rapidly changing world by embracing education, innovation and emerging technologies.
The professionals, drawn from different states across the United States, are in Kenya as part of a biannual speaking programme through which they visit schools, interact with students and share experiences from their academic and professional journeys.
The delegation, led by humanitarian diplomat Ambassador Domic Obadiah, visited Amasago SDA Boarding School and Ichuni National Girls’ School in Masaba South before proceeding to Kereri Girls’ School in Nyaribari Chache, Kisii County.
At the schools, the professionals engaged students on education, careers, entrepreneurship, technology and personal development.
The group has previously supported Kereri Girls in authoring a book and has continued to engage students during its periodic visits to Kenya.
Speaking to journalists at a Kisii hotel, entrepreneur and speaker Isabel Donadil urged students to look beyond examinations and consider how their education could help them solve problems in society.
“Education should not only prepare you to pass an examination. It should equip you to understand the world around you and find solutions to the problems facing your community,” Donadil said.
She encouraged students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and learn to identify opportunities around them.
“Learn to see opportunities where other people see problems. Some of the businesses of tomorrow will be created by young people who are still sitting in these classrooms today,” she said.
The delegation has also been supporting learners through donations of water tanks and scholarships targeting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We are purposely doing this to give all learners an equal chance at education. We believe nobody should be left behind,” Donadil said.
She said the group was also engaging leaders on mental health issues, which she described as an emerging concern among young people.
Craig Louis described the Kenyan students as enthusiastic and engaging, saying the delegation hoped to see increased investment in technology to prepare learners for the future.
“We believe in you and we hope more robust funding can be done on technology to help them as they step out of school in the near future,” Louis said.
July Nicolson praised Kenya’s education system and the growing attention being given to technology.
Dr Patricia Karl said supporting young people was an investment in the country’s future.
The delegation also encouraged students to understand the opportunities and limitations associated with artificial intelligence (AI).
Karl said AI could be used as a learning aid to help students obtain explanations, practise difficult subjects and explore topics from different perspectives.
“AI can become your study companion. You can use it to ask questions, test your knowledge and explore subjects from different perspectives,” she said.
She, however, cautioned students against accepting AI-generated information without verification.
“Technology gives you answers very quickly, but speed does not always mean accuracy. Learn to question information, compare sources and use your own judgement,” Karl said.
Diana Strand urged students to develop communication and interpersonal skills alongside their academic qualifications.
“The world needs people who can communicate their ideas, work with others and lead responsibly. Marks are important, but they are not the only skills that will define your future,” Strand said.
She also encouraged learners to consider career paths beyond traditional professions such as medicine, law and teaching.
“The career landscape is changing. Explore science, technology, creative industries, entrepreneurship and other emerging fields before deciding where your abilities can make the greatest contribution,” she said.
Strand further urged students to develop resilience and learn from setbacks rather than allowing failure to define their lives.
“You will fail at some point. What matters is whether you learn from that experience, adjust your approach and continue moving forward,” she said.
The American professionals said their biennial visits to Kenya were motivated by a desire to give back and expose young people to ideas and experiences beyond their immediate environment.
The programme has also provided Kenyan students with an opportunity to interact directly with professionals from different fields and learn about education and career pathways in the United States.
The delegation is expected to continue its engagements with Kenyan schools as part of its efforts to encourage students to pursue education, innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies.
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