JOB THROUGH MAARIFA

Marigat maarifa centre serves the needs of the communities by providing diverse information to improve their livelihoods.65% of the maarifa centre users are the youth, who mostly come for computer training, reading newspapers, face book, blogging and visiting sites for job vacancies.
We interviewed a frequent maarifa user who landed a job recently through maarifa centre; he had all the reasons to smile as his dreams came to pass:
1. What is your name, contacts and age?
My name is Robert Lengilip a resident in Marigat location; I can be reached through robertlengilip@yahoo.com or 0724106451. Iam 28 years old.
2. How did you know about Marigat Maarifa Centre?
Through friends whom we reside in the same area. They told me that the centre provides free access to information. Initially I used to travel either to Nakuru or Kabarnet – a distance of about 100Kms to access internet. This is because these services are not provided here in Marigat so it was costly for me to travel all the way thus I could limit my self due to financial constrains. When I received news about the centre I decided to visit the place, I was warmly welcomed by Joyce, who is in charge of the centre. Since that day I became a frequent user of the centre.
3. What information do you search in the internet?
Of course jobs through company’s websites, Google social sites and Nation newspaper. I was looking for a job so my friends could send me links where I register and send my CV.
4. How did you finally land a job?
Iam a Diploma holder in Community Development, so I applied for any vacancy that could suit my career whether I got the advert from the newspaper or a Website. Joyce assisted me to make a CV and cover letter; all my scanned documents were saved on the desktop in my folder. This made it easier for me to retrieve my documents and send.
One morning, I decided to Google hand in Hand international. I heard from friends that they were recruiting credit officers. I never hesitated I went to the maarifa centre to apply for the position of Business Relationship Officer. I was called to attend an interview; the panelists were whites to my surprise. I gauged courage and answered all what I knew, ofcourse I was prepared for this. They told me that they will give me feedback through my email address after 2 weeks. I went to check mails at maarifa centre, I could not hide the joy, and everyone who was in the maarifa centre knew something unusual had happened. I finally got the job after 5 years struggle. A confirmation letter was also sent to me asking me to go to the office and sign a contract 3 years renewable, huge allowances and a good package. I came with a copy of my contract to the maarifa centre where I shared with my fellow youth.
5. What is your advice to other youth who use the Centre?
Commit yourselves, be advanced, get information and utilize the resources provided by ALIN in this Maarifa centre. Learn how to use computers this is a genesis of improved livelihood in Marigat. We are pastoralists but we can never achieve our dreams if we are reluctant to technological advancements.
6. Any message to ALIN?
Thanks ALIN am proud to be associated with you because I got the job through your services –God bless.