YOUTH IN FOCUS: AN INTERVIEW WITH LILIAN KADUMA.
What made you apply for CESDO?!
I was interested in applying for CESDO! Program so I could gain work experience. I’m a new graduate and really need to focus on building a strong CV as well as improving my skills. I would like to work as a teacher, so it is very helpful for me to be able to observe the Core Teachers and practice various teaching techniques on the children in the classroom. Finally, I feel it is my responsibility to do what I can to help children within my community.
What new skills have you learned through the program?
The most important skills I’ve learned thus far are leadership skills and teaching methods. Volunteering at CESDO gives me the opportunity to lead a group of people, which allows me to practice speaking in front of a group as well as practice explaining concepts to youths and children groups. This ties in closely to developing my teaching methods techniques. I am able to both mimic the Core Teachers as well as practice my own style of communication with the youths to see what works and what areas I should improve. I feel much more responsible having had this experience at CESDO.
What are your career goals and do you feel that CESDO! Helped you get closer to those goals?
I’m planning to work as a Social Sciences teacher in a private or governmental school. The various trainings- both program specific (like the psychosocial trainings) and the job readiness trainings (CV building and interview skills) - are helping me by giving me the skills I need to be successful once I have a job. Additionally, by allowing me to practice teaching methods in the field, I feel I will be fully prepared to lead my own class when I get a job.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for youth like you in the current labor market?
One of the main challenges for today’s youth is the inequality between the number of available jobs and the number of youth seeking employment. Job opportunities are very limited in Tanzania and I think even to the world. Volunteering is very useful in that it gives us practical work experience, which will help distinguish us as candidates in a very competitive job market.
- Interview conducted by Volunteer Coordinator, Rosina Mpiluka