Camara Education Kenya Internship Program

Overview

The CEK Internship Program is a 3-month program designed to equip participants with practical ICT hands-on skills in a real-world work environment. The initiative attracts students and fresh graduates in various IT disciplines from both public and private universities and colleges within Mombasa and further afield including Nairobi, Western, Central, and other regions within Kenya. The enrolled participants are placed in our Mombasa Hub for day-to-day training and whenever possible undertake planned fieldwork activities within CEK Mombasa schools.

 At the end of the program, students learn and master vital skills including lab network setup & configurations, software installation & administration, and PC/Laptop repair/fix & troubleshooting, etc. These in-demand skills place them ahead of the competition in the job market and help them explore opportunities for self-employment. Since its inception in 2015, the program has supported 596 students.  

How It Works

Duration: 3 months

Cohort Cycles:

  • January-April
  • May-August
  • September-December

Annual Targets:

60-90 interns

Kenya Internship Program

The selection of the interns is done after an online/physical office visit for application, after which reviews are done based on availability, applicant’s location & MUST be a student in an ICT-related field either continuing/graduated.

Eligible requirements are as follows:- 

  1.  Original Letter of Attachment/Internship
  2. Insurance Policy
  3.  Logbook
  4.  Original ID copy
  5.  2 passport-size photographs
  6.  Fee Ksh.6000/=                                                     

The Skills acquired after Completion are:-

Hard/Tech skills

  • Hardware Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Repair/Fix.
  • Software Administration & Configurations & Basic Coding skills.
  • Networking Setup & Configurations.

Soft skills {Our Core Values 4 C’s}

  • Caring
  • Collaborative
  • Commitment
  • Creativity

1.

    • First & second day – Orientation of Camara Hub and Activities.

2. 

NB; Out of the 8 weeks (2 month) or 12 weeks (3 months), they will have to go through the following programme activities.

    • a) Introduction to Hardware and various components
    • b) Introduction to Software and utilities
    • c) Maintenance and Troubleshooting
    • d) Networking
    • e) Life/Soft skills e.g. { Workmanship, Job correlations e.t.c}

Also during this period of Internship every Friday of the week will be a Progress Test day for whatever that has been covered so far and  Logbook Check-up.

3.

After going through this they will be qualified or would have acquired the necessary skills that are involved in the day in day out activities of the Hub/Industry.

Hardware & Components

a) i)

    • Introduction to Linux Forum.
    • Safety Measures (video presentation).
    • “Camara” Core Values/Mission & Vision.
    • Organization policies/regulations.

ii) Familiarization with PC (personal computer). i.e. Monitor, System unit, Peripherals.

iii) Types & Evolution of PC’s.

iv) Setup/Installation/Connection of PC. i.e. (do’s  & don’ts).

v) How to open up various types of system unit i.e. chassis cover e.g. Dell, Acer, Hp.

b)

  • Main Components of System Unit & Functions
    • Power supply Unit.
    • Hard drive/disk.
    • RAM/Memory Modules/Sticks.
    • Central Processing Unit (CPU).
    • Motherboard (MOBO).
    • Others DVD/CD drive, Rear panel, Input/output Devices.
  • Assembling & Dismantling System Units (Different types, Connection/Interconnection of various Devices Interfaces e.g. SATA.
  • Steps PC’s follow; Power on-Startup-Boot.
  • CAMARA filling of processing sheets i.e. for PC specifications e.g. 1 GB RAM, Monitors, HDD and CPU. 

NB: Also laptops familiarization assembling, dismantling & know basic components & functions. 

Software & Utilities {Linux Administration}

  • Operating system (O.S) e.g. Linux, Mac, Windows. (What is it? Where? Why? How?).
  • Installation of O.S as done at CAMARA: Methods; Network, CD/DVD, USB. Applications used e.g. Clonezilla, Brasero, Startup Disk creator, Unet Bootin, Parted Magic (in Linux).
  • BIOS Setup: familiarization of various PC types e.g. BIOS of Hp, Dell. Functions, Manipulation & Importance.
  • Bootable Media/Devices e.g. CD, USB Network. Boot order/sequence & manipulation.
  • Basic Linux Utilities/Applications e.g. Disk utility, Libre Office-Documents, Sound & Video- Banshee, Scratch- Games, Ubuntu Software Centre. etc.
  • How to install various software in Linux e.g. Ubuntu S/W Centre, Synaptic Package Manager, Terminal & also Download directly from net.
  • Configuration/Setup Settings of various applications e.g. Formatting, Partitioning, Erasing, Deleting, Cloning etc. Linux Command Line (terminal).
  • Google Workspace & Microsoft Office tools user experience.
  • Graphics Design &  Quickbooks user experience.
  • Basic Coding Skills e.g. Html, Java & PHP.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

  • What is Maintenance/Troubleshooting?
  • Why & How? And also its’ importance?
  • Where is it done S/W & H/W? Operating Systems applications involved e.g. grub error, intramfs, image load failure, alert system battery voltage low, no display etc. in Linux.
  • Tools needed both S/W & H/W e.g. blower, thermal paste, boot repair disk, reinstallation, updating & upgrading etc.
  • Troubleshooting techniques e.g.  H/W in regards to manufacturer (beep sounds, LED notifications, tests performed (power supply self-test). Disk Analyzer, Memory test S/W.
  • How to use various tools both S/W & H/W e.g. Parted magic, boot repair, blower (hot& normal), paste, home base/dry.
  • Familiarize with the different technical troubleshooting scenarios of both S/W and H/W.

NB: Also very important is familiarization with CAMARA KENYA as an Organisation and Departments involved.

Networking

What is, Why, Where & How?

  • Network Cables E.g. Cat 5e, Cat 6 etc.
  • Lab setup e.g. U-shape, L-shape in regards topology.
  • Crimping of network cables i.e. color coding’s, alignments.
  • Forms, Types i.e. T568B (straight through), T568A (crossover). Transmission, Uses & Implementation in Communication.
  • Digital Networking i.e. of keystone jack/module connector, patch panel, switch, cabinet.
  • Networking Devices e.g. router, switch etc. Functions & Importance.
  • Networking Protocols e.g. DHCP, Static, IPV4, Wireless.
  • Configuration of devices related to networks e.g. broadband, modem, router etc.
  • Forms of Network e.g. LAN, WLAN, MAN & setup of each.
  • Internet, ISP’s (internet service providers) what is it, protocols involved & also devices related.
  • File Sharing & applications/devices involved e.g. printers, documents. In Linux TeamViewer, remote desktop sharing. 
  • Also Hotspot creation and usage both in mobile devices and PC’s/laptops.
  • Peer to peer linkage of PC’s/Laptops.
  • Network installation in detail i.e. PXe capability discussion in servers & PC.
  • Installation, Configuration & use of important networking applications basically Linux e.g. Epoptes.

Fieldwork Acivities

  • Computer Lab Setup.
  • Networking.
  • PC installation and Configuration e.g. Epoptes, Veyon, Dell Projects.
  • PC Maintenance and Repair. (Hardware and Software).
  • Fieldwork Report writing.

 

  • General Hub Activities
  • PC Dispatch Preparation.
  • Stock Count.
  • Workstation Checkup.
  • E-waste management.
  • Server Systems Maintenance.
  • Training Rooms PC’s Maintenance.
  • Stock PC’s Testing. (TFT’s, keyboards, mice, power cables, VGA cables etc.)

Life/Soft Skills

  • Certain Organization(s) Responsibilities.
  • Leadership Skills.
  • Workmanship.
  • Job Correlations.

Last but not Least

  • Feedback Collection.
  • Logbook Certification/Clearance.
  • Recommendation Letter Issuance.

Hub Activities

At CKE Hub Mombasa, interns from the May-August 2024 cohort gain practical experience that converts theoretical knowledge into skills that are necessary for mastering the art of system maintenance. This experience involves learning how to dismantle and reassemble system units and laptops.

Camara Education Kenya Internship Program
Camara Education Kenya Internship Program
Camara Education Kenya Internship Program
Camara Education Kenya Internship Program

Group Photos

Camara Education Kenya Internship Program - Group Photo
Camara Education Kenya Internship Program - Group Photo

Interns in the training room

Camara Education Kenya Internship Program - in the training room
Camara Education Kenya Internship Program - in the training room

Success Stories

Abiud Wekesa Mukitang`a – student from the Technical University of Mombasa is an intern in Cohort 2 of May- August 2024.

“My name is Abiud Wekesa Mukitang’a, and I hail from Bungoma, Kenya. I am in my third year at the Technical University of Mombasa, undertaking my internship at Camara Education Kenya.

I was introduced to Camara Education Kenya by my lecturer, Mr. Charo. Initially, I had little knowledge about this organization. However, during the orientation period, I discovered that Camara is a dedicated organization focusing on Computer Hardware, Content, and Training.

Through the guidance of Camara trainers, I have significantly enhanced my computing skills. For instance, I have become proficient in diagnosing and identifying bad sectors in hard disk drives (HDDs).

Overall, Camara has proven to be one of the finest organizations with which I have had the opportunity to work. It has equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge that will directly benefit my career prospects, particularly in pursuing self-employment after my studies.

As I continue with my internship, I would like to express my gratitude to the leadership, staff, and colleagues at Camara for their cooperation and invaluable support in fostering my learning and skill development.”

Everlyne Mkabili – student from Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, is an intern in Cohort 2 of May–August 2024.

“My name is Everlyne Mkabili, a student from Kenya Coast National Polytechnic pursuing Diploma in Information Communication Technology. I am currently enrolled at Camara Education Kenya, a charity that provides computers, teacher training, and innovative learning programs to schools across Africa.

I came to know Camara through a teacher at Ribe girl’s High School. During times of attachment application, I applied to different places offering attachment to this ICT field and secured three different opportunities. The teacher who at first introduced me to Camara advised me to select this organization since it was the best.

Joining this organization has not been in vain. From the very start of the attachment, the learning environment has been friendly and understanding. The skills so far that I have learned, according to me, are at their best level. The skills I have learned so far are as follows:

Hardware part: I learned how to dismantle and assemble all the external and internal parts of a PC.

Software part: I learned how to make storage devices bootable through various means.

    • I also learned how to install various operating systems to different PCs.
    • I also learned how to troubleshoot by running diagnostics on different PCs.

With these few but important skills that I have learned, I have been able to help a computer teacher at Ribe Girls’ High School solve a problem with his computers that had stopped working (the computer was not powering on, and if it was powering on, there was no display). I gave a solution to this scenario by asking him to remove the PC RAM sticks and clean them, as well as the RAM slots. I also asked him to check the power cable supplying power to the motherboard. After a few minutes, I received feedback from the same teacher, who happily explained to me that the whole set of directives I gave him worked successfully.

 As we still continue with this program, my hope is to gain more skills so that I can use them to build my future career as an IT Support Specialist.”    

Kelvin Kirimi Mutuma – Camara Education Kenya Alumni Intern September-December 2022, (former student from Star Institute of Professionals currently working at Erido Computer Solution, Mombasa.)

“My name is Kirimi Kelvin. I was born and raised in the outskirts of Mombasa in  place called Meru 27 years ago. Growing up in a humble background, my parents did just enough to provide shelter and basic education. It never crossed my mind that one day I would be among the best technicians in the city.

My journey as a technician started in 2022 after completing the My Diploma in ICT and CISCO Networking course at Star Institute of Profession. At the end of my course, I heard about Internship programs at Camara Education Kenya and decided to join. Looking back, I am glad I made the decision to join the Camara Education Kenya internship program. This is where I expanded my knowledge base and garnered experience, which has proved to be valuable. The team of experts at Camara Kenya is more than willing to help young men and women cross the gap between school graduation and the job market. 

Camara Education Kenya equips interns with skills to navigate the job market.  While interning at Camara, I had the opportunity to put into practice what I learned in school. I did all this without the fear of making mistakes since the experts at Camara encouraged us not to fear mistakes but instead to embrace and learn from them. The trainers at Camara allowed us to tag along for field work. The number of trips I made to schools within Mombasa County for computer maintenance and networking is countless. This exposure has jumpstarted my career as a networking and computer technician at Erido Computer Solution on probation. 

At Erido Solution, I have undertaken different roles, such as computer repair, CCTV installation and maintenance, as well as being a sales agent. All this is a result of the interpersonal skills I gained from Camara Education Kenya, which have enabled me to navigate the job market efficiently.

Today, I pride myself on being among the best computer and networking technicians, courtesy of Camara Education Kenya. Thank you, Camara, for the opportunity to train with you and help kickstart my career.”

Internship Application Form