Work Experience Highlights!

The highly anticipated Work Experience Program got off to a slightly bumpy start this week. Despite a few initial hiccups and local protests causing some logistical headaches, we are absolutely thrilled to report that the vast majority of our students successfully made it to their placements.

We are deeply grateful to the parents and guardians who actively supported the entire process from navigating morning travel hurdles to encouraging the students along the way.

A huge appreciation goes out to all the local and international businesses and employers who opened their doors and provided such invaluable mentorship opportunities to our students this week.

We truly believe that our students learned a lot, gained a clearer vision for their futures, and took away skills learned beyond the classroom. Well done to everyone involved!

Positive Feedback

Throughout the week, teachers have been out and about visiting students at their various work experience stations. The feedback coming back to the school has been overwhelmingly positive.

Employers have been incredibly impressed by how quickly the students adapted. The vast majority are fully engaged, asking great questions, and tackling their assigned tasks with real enthusiasm.

Moses Wafula {Head of Year 10} and Isaac Kisongoche { Work-Related Learning Coordinator}

On the first day of my work experience at M Oriental Bank, I was introduced to the different departments within the Bank and learned how they work together to ensure smooth operations. I met staff from Branch Operations, Back Office, Treasury, Risk and Credit, Finance, Sales, Human Resources, and Operations. Through discussions with employees, I gained insight into customer service, data processing, financial management, loan approvals, budgeting, and staff coordination. This helped me understand the importance of teamwork and communication in keeping a Bank functioning efficiently.

On the second day, I focused more on the operational and technical side of Banking. I observed how vaults are opened and how cash is distributed among tellers before the branch begins operations. I also learned how cheques are verified and filed, and how cash denominations are balanced accurately for withdrawals. Later, I met the Head of the First Transfer Unit, who explained BIC codes and the SWIFT global network used for international Banking transactions. I then spent time with the IT department, where I learned about cybersecurity, data protection, and system management across branches. I also shadowed the Head of Central Operations, who explained the importance of coordinating processes and maintaining efficiency across the Bank.

On the final day, I had the opportunity to assist customers at the tellers by helping process cash withdrawals and outward cheques under supervision. I also learned about the responsibilities of the Relationship Manager, Clearings Department, and Treasury Department. The experience ended with a review of workplace health, safety, and professional ethics, making the entire programme both educational and enjoyable.

By: Ipsa Bedi