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Jamleck Mithamo - 2016 Intern[/caption]The Advent of an Internship In 2016, an annual eduKenya Internship Program became a reality. We discovered our first participant, Jamleck Mithamo, during a 2015 interview for a teaching position. A 2015 University of Nairobi graduate, Jamleck qualified for the teaching position he sought, but his skill-set and education convinced us that his talents needed further exploration. Thus, we designed an internship program to help Jamleck and future interns achieve specific goals.The eduKenya Internship Program promotes leadership in participants through observation and hands-on experience under the wing of a senior staff member. Interns are mentored during weekly meetings to discuss experiences and ask questions. They accrue organizational knowledge and intellectual development through reading, research, discussion, and participation. Interns gain work experience and learn about work ethic through assignments in multiple departments under the direct supervision of each department head.Teamwork is vitally important to our organization. Our interns integrate into the life of eduKenya and Mawewa School where they work alongside our team and contribute to the overall success of the organization. Compassion is central to the mission of eduKenya. Interns give of themselves to the poor, oppressed, and vulnerable through local missional activity beyond their organizational assignments. We want interns to have an international outlook, and we encourage their participation in at least one transnational event or mission trip. In this way, they will expand their horizon of experiences and bring new thoughts and ideas back to the eduKenya team.Jamleck Mithamo is currently in Swaziland helping to establish the Young Professionals Ministry (a Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ) in that country. Before leaving, he shared his thoughts about his internship experience:

“The year went by quickly, and its impact was significant. Each assignment was a blessing and contributed to transforming the children and community of Mathare. My experiences were phenomenal and raised the relevance of my faith by teaching me to see and respond to the needs of others as Jesus would - in compassion!

I enjoyed my time with the children at the Mawewa Schools in Mathare and Naivasha. Daily I heard their stories, and I witnessed their narratives change throughout the year. I accompanied Bob Kikuyu to Naivasha every fortnight and saw it transform into a good school with amazing students and a staff dedicated to the children and the eduKenya vision. These children are the future agents of hope and change in Mathare and Kenya.”

In January 2017, we welcomed Jackline Kasyoka to the eduKenya Internship Program. Jackline is passionate about developing leadership skills in Mawewa School students. Her motivation? "That our students will cause a ripple effect among their peers by setting an example for positive influence."We look forward to developing a team of internship alumni who champion the vision and mission of eduKenya, and who will make a transformative difference in the lives of the Mathare community for years to come.