Yesterday, BLAZE by Safaricom introduced a new platform that it’s calling BLAZE LINK. The company says this new platform will provide exclusive access to master classes by local category experts. So, what exactly is BLAZE LINK and why does it exist?
What is BLAZE LINK?
BLAZE LINK is an aggregator of e-learning resources built to enable young people upgrade their skills through online courses and empower them to pursue success in their professions of interest. Think of this like any other platform you would use to take an online course. There are different courses covering different areas and you can choose to take the one you want.
Why It Exists
The main question may be, why does BLAZE LINK exist? Safaricom’s commercial interests aside, BLAZE LINK is a platform that the company has designed to provide the young people with a platform to use to improve their skills as they journey towards success.
“BLAZE LINK is a new addition to the Be Your Own Boss (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, Safaricom CEO.
The platform will have thousands of free online courses from multiple disciplines including sales and marketing, finance, agriculture, creative arts, programming and development among others. The courses are targeting young adults under the age of 26.
How to Go About It
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 is coming in as a career compass and job-finder that will empower Kenyan youth by linking them with skills that they require to be successful whether by becoming their own bosses or through employment,” said Michael Joseph, Safaricom CEO.
Partners
To launch and support this platform, Safaricom has partnered with other key industry players. Some of the partners include Google, IBM, Wezesha, Cloud Factory and Brighter Monday.
To augment the online courses, 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.
You Can Learn more about BLAZE LINK here.
