Tag Archive for: #youthempowerment

Recap of the Leadership and Mentorship Training Week 2024

From April 2nd to April 5th 2024, Ecotourism Kenya opened its doors to a cohort of aspiring leaders and change-makers for an immersive Leadership and Mentorship Training Week. Over the course of four days, participants engaged in a rich tapestry of professional development and sustainability sessions, aimed at equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their professional journeys while championing environmental stewardship.

Professional Development: The training kicked off with a focus on professional development, delving into crucial topics such as effective communication in the workplace, workplace etiquette and ethics, professional well-being, and financial management 101. Participants gained insights into building strong interpersonal relationships, navigating workplace challenges, and nurturing their own holistic well-being. Additionally, sessions on school-work transition and cultural respect provided valuable guidance for navigating diverse environments with grace and sensitivity.
Sustainability Sensitization: Complementing the personal development track, the training also included sustainability sensitization sessions designed to deepen participants’ understanding of responsible tourism and environmental conservation. Through sessions on the fundamentals of responsible tourism, youth and climate change, environment management and awareness, and youth and biodiversity conservation, participants were empowered to become stewards of the planet. They explored practical strategies for integrating sustainability principles into their professional endeavors and fostering positive environmental change within their communities.

Throughout the week, participants were engaged in interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative exercises, fostering a supportive learning environment where ideas flourished and connections were forged. The training was not merely an educational experience but a transformative journey, empowering participants to become catalysts for positive change in their respective fields.

As the training week drew to a close, participants left Ecotourism Kenya’s offices equipped with newfound knowledge, skills, and a renewed sense of purpose. Armed with the tools of effective leadership, personal development, and sustainability consciousness, they are poised to embark on their professional journeys with confidence and commitment to making a difference in the world. Each set to enter the workspace to gain hands-on experience in the tourism field, we wish them the best!

Ecotourism Kenya extends its gratitude to all participants, trainers, and partners for their unwavering dedication and enthusiasm throughout the training week. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more sustainability-aware and proactive future for generations to come.

 

A Leadership & Mentorship Program Success Story

Mercy Onyango, LMP 2018

The Leadership and Mentorship Program (LMP) offered and hosted by Ecotourism Kenya in cooperation with its impactful Ecorated members and other partners is not only an industry hub for nurturing young experts for the industry but also a tool for youth empowerment through integration in responsible tourism matters. The program offers a platform for any proactive young graduate or focused continuing student to begin embracing the role of formal mentorship and training in enhancing the employability of young graduates. There is a yielding connection between the LMP program, youth empowerment, and employability within the tourism and hospitality industry. The blend of topics explored during the training not only prepares a candidate for work but also orients the participant to take insight into the potential role they stand to play in transforming the industry as all the content is largely entrenched on sustainability.

When I joined the program in January 2018, “fresh from school” was the best description one could accord me having graduated barely a month before from Maseno University in Western Kenya. Plunging into the capital city as a potential employee and a job seeker, I expected to get introduced to a dynamic industry that would make relevant sense to my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from an intersectoral perspective. I expected to learn about matters of the tourism industry and how it connects with environmental conservation and ecosystem management. I knew I loved nature, but I wanted to understand what that passion would transform into when given a chance to nurture it through knowledge, training, and mentorship. I expected to meet peers, who would match my curiosity and share their experiences.

At East African Wildlife Society’s tree planting event in Kinale Forest.

I was hosted within the Ecotourism Kenya office and in the course of my training I was engaged in two programs: Community Enterprise Development and Research & Advocacy Programs. These two assignment scopes molded the professional I am today. In the two programs, I got a chance to be supervised by very experts in the area of sustainable tourism encompassing community transforming projects and program management. Directly, I was groomed to be an effective community development trainer and coach with relevant management and organizational skills. I had one job to do, to identify my niche, improve on my strengths, and convert my weaknesses to skills that would enhance my employability skills while hugely leveraging on informal on-the-job training as was the setup.

Mercy presenting at the Green Destinations Program Launch in 2022.

I would recommend others to participate in this program with no reservations at all. The knowledge and skills I acquired and the progressive mentorship I achieved all through my engagement, my work at Ecotourism Kenya, and even after have been very instrumental in steering my career progression and postgraduate academic path. After the internship, I secured employment within Ecotourism Kenya as a Programs Officer and later grew into a project manager for the EU-funded GreenTour Kenya Program for about four and a half years. Afterwards, I was promoted to being a Programs coordinator which was more of an organizational management alignment and I undertook this role until when I exited in March 2023.

The call for applications for the Leadership & Mentorship Program April 2024 closes tomorrow, 9th February 2024! Apply today!

 

A Leadership & Mentorship Program Success Story

Mark Miano, LMP MAY 2023

When I initially enrolled in the Leadership and Mentorship Program (LMP) in May 2023, I held certain expectations that fueled my enthusiasm for the journey ahead. Foremost, I anticipated that the program would provide in-depth discussions on the technical aspects of ecotourism. I was eager to explore topics related to sustainability, environmental conservation, and responsible tourism practices. Furthermore, one of my primary expectations was to network with industry players and fellow participants.

I entered the program with a firm belief in my chosen career path within the tourism industry. However, as I engaged in the training sessions and attachment period, I realized that being open-minded was essential for growth and adaptation. During the training sessions, one particular session that had a lasting impact on me was “The Art of Being Ready.” This eye-opening session emphasized critical thinking as a fundamental skill for success in any field. Moreover, the training introduced the concept of being SMART in my approach to work. By setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound, I gained clarity on what I aimed to achieve and developed a structured plan to reach those objectives.

The attachment period at Emboo River Camp was equally transformative. It taught me the value of teamwork and humility. I was glad to be absorbed into employment after the period. Collaborating with diverse individuals and being open to learning from others’ perspectives broadened my horizons and enriched my understanding of the industry. In addition to these lessons, the program instilled in me a profound appreciation for the concept of lifelong learning. I realized that in a rapidly evolving industry like tourism, continuous learning, and adaptation are crucial for staying relevant and making a positive impact. Embracing a mindset of constant learning has motivated me to seek out new opportunities for skill development and personal growth.

From fostering open-mindedness and critical thinking to encouraging lifelong learning and teamwork, the LMP program instills valuable attributes for personal and professional growth. Through engaging training sessions and attachment opportunities, participants gain invaluable insights from industry experts and develop a clear vision for their careers. By joining this program, individuals can unlock their full potential, contribute meaningfully to sustainable tourism, and become inspiring leaders in their respective fields.

 

Apply to join LMP APRIL 2024 as a participant here!

Apply to host an LMP participant at your company here