This archive report was first published on 17 July 2019.
On July 17, 2019, Safaricom's Blaze launched a groundbreaking free e-learning platform, BLAZE LINK, to empower Kenyan youth with skills and knowledge to pursue their professions of interest.
BLAZE LINK is an aggregator of e-learning resources built to enable young people upgrade their skills through online courses and connect them to opportunities. The platform has partnered with reputable organizations such as Google, IBM, Wezesha, Cloud Factory, and Brighter Monday to offer thousands of free online courses across multiple disciplines.
According to Michael Joseph, Safaricom CEO, BLAZE LINK is a new addition to the Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) platform, which focuses on empowering the youth as they journey towards success. 'BLAZE LINK is a new addition to the BYOB platform, which is focused on empowering the youth as they journey towards success. We are leveraging on the power of digital platforms so that we can reach those who cannot make it to the BYOB summits and creation camps,' said Michael Joseph.
Upon logging on to BLAZE LINK, users undergo an 'about' test to identify their strengths and skills, after which they are offered relevant courses based on their interests and academic background. Users who complete course modules are directed to further learning opportunities and experiential training through partner organizations or available jobs for those looking for employment.
BLAZE LINK has been developed in line with Safaricom's ethos of linking people to people, people to knowledge, and people to opportunities. The platform aims to connect young Kenyans to opportunities by directing those looking for employment to available job openings and giving entrepreneurs visibility of market opportunities.
BLAZE LINK users will also have exclusive access to master class videos on Agribusiness, Creative Arts, Fashion, Film & Photography, Music, Technology, and Production & Sales. The master classes will be delivered by local category experts, including Caleb Karuga (Agribusiness), Tosh Gitonga (Film & Photography), Eric Musyoka, and Naiboi (Music) among others.
BLAZE is a sub-brand of Safaricom, created to give youth aged 26 years and below products, services, and benefits tailored specifically to meet their everyday needs. This free e-learning in Kenya is the first of its kind in Kenya, East, and Central Africa, and BLAZE was founded on what Kenyan youth say is most important to them: freedom, friendship, and success.
Users can access BLAZE LINK by visiting https://link.blaze.co.ke/.
