ALX, a global leader in technology training and skills development, recently held the Karibu welcome event, marking the inauguration of the second hybrid cohort of passionate young tech enthusiasts in 2023.
This event was a celebration of their commitment to empower young African professionals to secure dignified and meaningful work opportunities by 2030 through world-class tech training programs and soft skills development.
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Revolutionising Tech Training
ALX is on a bold mission to address unemployment in Africa by enabling two million young professionals to secure fulfilling job opportunities by the year 2030. In a world where the tech talent shortfall is projected to exceed 85 million people by 2030, their commitment to building a vast pool of trained technical professionals in Africa is paramount.
The Karibu event, meaning ‘welcome’ in Swahili, was not just an ordinary gathering. It was a hybrid event, connecting students from eight cities across Africa to the ALX Tech Hub in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The success of the inaugural May 2023 session validated ALX’s distinctive combination of in-depth technical training and soft skills development, which resonated powerfully within the tech community.
Unlocking Africa’s Potential
According to Divesh Sooka, General Manager of ALX South Africa, “ALX training programs are about potential, which includes qualities like courage, passion, resilience, imagination, and values as well as the power of community.” The Karibu event was a celebration of past achievements and a recognition of the vast untapped potential among the new cohort.
Fred Swaniker, Founder of ALX, emphasised the importance of Africa’s youth. He said, “Africa’s greatest resources are our youth. By 2030, Africa will have a larger workforce than China, and by 2050, it will have the largest workforce in the world. One billion people will need jobs in Africa. Our mission is to address this challenge.”
“The two hundred and fifty local learners who physically attended the event and connected virtually with peers from various African cities fostered a sense of continental unity and shared purpose,” noted Sooka. “Seeing the impact and transformation in our first cohort of learners reaffirms the importance and success of what we’re doing at ALX.”
Preparation for the Future
The event was designed to embolden new learners, with icebreakers, an ALX values experiential activity, and a dynamic Tech Hub tour. Testimonials from the first cohort highlighted real-life success stories, with alumni learners known as ‘Fellows’ sharing insights from their transformative journey.
An interactive panel discussion united Fellows and top-tier employer partners for a conversation about tech trends, digital transformation, and the multifaceted tech landscape. This dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, showcasing the real-world impact of ALX’s comprehensive training approach.
Past alumni have shared their experiences at ALX. Lazarus Mamai, from Nairobi, Kenya, stated, “It has shaped everything that I am at the moment.” Elizabeth Okullow, also from Kenya, added, “You meet people who are making dreams come true, and who are doing impossible things.”
Stacey Anyango, from the first hybrid cohort of 2023, said, “It’s inspiring and motivating to be in a community of people who are willing to step into their future by being bold, going into uncharted waters and testing things out. The hard things in life are the things that lead you further, and I know that as challenging as a project may seem, I have all the tools I need to do the job.”
A Glimpse of the Future
ALX is more than just a training provider; it is a community that supports and accelerates one another. As ALX continues to stand as a beacon for prospective tech students, it affirms that their journey is a stride towards a promising and innovative future.
Divesh Sooka, the General Manager of ALX South Africa, encapsulated the essence of the Karibu event: “Our Karibu event is a testament to ALX’s pledge to revolutionise tech education across Africa. We are more than a training provider; we are a community that supports and accelerates one another, evidenced by the successes of our esteemed Fellows.”
ALX is well on its way to reshaping the tech landscape of Africa and uplifting the prospects of countless young tech enthusiasts on the continent.