The 10th of September 2005 was designated by advocates of free and open-source software (FOSS) the Software Freedom Day. Every year on that day, campaigns are held across the world to sensitize people about the benefits and availability of open-source software. Although the concept is an initiative of the nonprofit company Software Freedom International, it's actualized by grassroots free software advocates. This year celebrations were held in over 50 countries across the globe. In Kenya, the day was marked by a career workshop to apprise high school girls of the careers and opportunities available in the information technology industry. The event was organized by the Kenyan chapter of LinuxChix Africa with the hope of encouraging more young women to pursue degrees and careers in computing at large, with the ultimate goal of narrowing the gender gap in the industry. Although the objective of Software freedom day is to promote promote public awareness and use of free and open source software, it'd would have been illogical to single mindedly pursue it when many Kenyans are still unfamiliar with Information Technology. In light of the unique circumstances in Kenya, LinuxChix Kenya has opted for a two pronged strategy that involves enlightening the public about Information technology, and informing those already familiar with it about the benefits of free and open source software. Due to limited resources the group undertook to concentrate on the former by holding a career workshop for High school girls, which fits into our objective to demystify what a career in technology is all about, and convey some of our enthusiasm for computing to young girls so we can attract and recruit them to the field. We also aim to provide them with role models, and mentors and hands-on experiences so that they can develop a vision of what a career in computing will be like. If they can see their future, they can realize their future. The workshop, held at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, was attended by over 200 people, ranging from high school students to luminaries in the IT industry. Keynote Speakers included Jackline Bitutu of Wananchi Online, Naomi Muta of UUNET, Eva Kimani of Celtel Kenya, Edgar Okioga of AfricaDotNet, Nancy Macharia of The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The decision to invite more women than men as keynote speakers was a deliberate attempt to expose the girls to successful female executives, role models and to provide them with the opportunity to hear about their experiences climbing the corporate ladder. Speakers shared their backgrounds, experiences and lessons they've learned through their careers and education about the importance of knowing one's self, setting goals, looking toward the future and learning as much as they can to make informed decisions for themselves. Jackline Bitutu emphasized the insignificance of background to the pursuit of a career in computing. She related how in spite of her background as a teacher she'd been able to work her way from the bottom up through the ranks. She stressed that life long learning and hardwork are the precursors to success in the industry. Naomi Muta discussed her own experience in overcoming career obstacles in one of keynote speeches. She spoke of the importance of knowing what one prefers and standing by it, of the need to pursue excellence, not to please others but to fulfill personal goals. She encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and work hard. Eva Kimani told the girls of the diversity of opportunities in computing. She talked about the process of system development and highlighted the career opportunities inherent in it. Opportunities for System analysis, project management, database development, and programming among others. She pointed out the importance of being at ease with technology, and advised the girls to actively court technology however insignificant. She also advised them to share knowledge and help each other in order to better themselves. Her presentation was followed by that of Edgar Okioga who spoke of his academic background in engineering, subsequent start as a civil engineer and change to information technology. He impressed it upon the girls that information technology was the way of the future, that no matter what field one chose computing aptitude would be indispensable. “Therefore,” he went on, “no matter what career one chooses, it is imperative that one is familiar with information technology.” He counseled them to work start not work hard. He spoke of the importance of communities, their role in facilitating knowledge sharing, and in promoting personal excellence; and gave LinuxChix Africa as an example of a women computing community whose focus is free and open source software. Next was a presentation by Nancy Macharia who spoke about Computing courses offered at Universities. She informed the girls that the skills discussed by previous were within reach; they could be attained by pursuing computing degrees offered at various Institutions in the Country. She talked about the need for girls to aspire to excellence and emphasized its life long nature. Her presentation was preceded by project demonstration by Patience Mwasi a recent graduate from University of Nairobi. The demonstration was intended to show students what programming entails and what can be achieved through it. Patience exhibited a project that she'd developed, using FOSS, to aid biologists analyse the results of a study of the similarities and differences between the human brain and that of a baboon. Her presentation was done so simply and naturally that it must have inspired many a student to believe that they too could undertake it. That was followed by a presentation on System administration by Dorcas Muthoni, LinuxChix Africa co-founder, filling in for Pauline Ndauti of Swift Global who although scheduled to speak was unable to make it to the event. She talked about workstations, servers and networks, their nature, role in facilitating resource sharing, and described system administration as the process of ensuring a reliable, efficient, and consistently available network that allows for seamless sharing. After a lunch break of an hour and a half, the workshop proceeded with questions from the girls, which were addressed by panelists. To ensure that more people benefit from the questions raised, we will post them and the relevant responses on the LinuxChix Africa site (www.africalinuxchix.org). The subject of free and open source software was further discussed by Joy, the events master of ceremonies, who spoke passionately about the what free and open source software is, the importance of alternatives to proprietary software, and how they can benefit young people and society as a whole. At the end of the event Ubuntu LiveCDs, generously donated by Software Freedom International, were handed out to the students. Dorcas Muthoni did a live demonstration of how the students can use them. She explained that LiveCDs run without any need for installation and do not in anyway affect existing computer settings; all the computer user needs to do is put the CD into the CD drive and reboot the PC. To return to the installed settings, the user need only eject the LiveCD and reboot. The Girls were enthralled by the games available on Ubuntu, and its ease of use. They were enthused by the what they'd learned and were anxious for more information. They were provided with LinuxChix Kenya contact information for future consultations. The girls were encouraged to make copies of the CDS share them and what they'd learned with others who couldn't come to the event. They were advised to set up computing clubs, which would be supported by LinuxChix Kenya, in order to nurture their interest. Many girls said that they'd been edified about computing and had been motivated to pursue a related degree by the workshop. The event was altogether a resounding success, although only time can the extent of its actual impact. It was an eye opener in respect of the dearth of computing information that is almost endemic in schools. For this reason LinuxChix Kenya intends to hold many similar events in order to help fill the information gap. Sponsors 1. Kenya Information Network Center (KENIC) 2. Catalysing Access to ICT in Africa (CATIA), Kenya Coordinating Office 3. AfricaDotNet 4. Africa Center for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) 5. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) 6. Software Freedom International 7. Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANET) Kind regards, Dorcas Muthoni LinuxChix Africa