Our July Mentorship & Training Session

The Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT) successfully held our July mentorship & training session at the esteemed International Hotel and Tourism Institute (IHTI) in Nairobi. This impactful session was tailored specifically for students preparing to embark on their corporate industrial attachments—a crucial phase in their journey toward becoming future professionals in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Facilitated by our dedicated members, Wilkie Ominde and Joyce Kienji, the session was a deep dive into the world of interpersonal relations, a skill set often overlooked but vitally important in both personal and professional environments. Through interactive presentations, dynamic group activities, open discussions, and a robust Q&A session, the students walked away with a wealth of insights that will serve them well in the real world.

Why Interpersonal Relations Matter

The cornerstone of the training was the subject of Interpersonal Relations (IR). This topic couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. As the world rapidly evolves, especially in the digital era, the human connection has become increasingly strained. In response to this, our session aimed to bring back humanity to the growing disconnection in society, reminding the students that technical knowledge alone is not enough—soft skills and emotional intelligence are equally essential.

Wilkie and Joyce expertly broke down the elements of interpersonal relationships, highlighting the importance of effective communication, active listening, empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution. They encouraged the students to begin viewing interpersonal skills not as “extras,” but as core competencies that can define the trajectory of their careers.

Interactive and Inclusive Learning

What made this session particularly engaging was the interactive format. Instead of a traditional lecture-style delivery, the facilitators embraced a hands-on approach that promoted student participation and encouraged self-reflection.

Two thought-provoking group activities were at the heart of the session. These exercises were designed to simulate real-life workplace scenarios, enabling students to understand the dynamics of team collaboration, the challenges of managing diverse personalities, and the subtle but powerful influence of non-verbal cues in communication.

The students were grouped and given different roles and challenges to navigate, mirroring what they might face during their internships. These activities not only fostered team spirit but also pushed participants to step outside of their comfort zones and develop confidence in articulating thoughts, receiving feedback, and supporting peers.

Key Highlights from the Session

1. Understanding Interpersonal Relations
   The session opened with a clear definition of interpersonal relations, emphasizing their role in shaping human interactions at all levels—from casual conversations to high-stakes professional collaborations.

2. The Power of Soft Skills
   The facilitators stressed that technical skills get you the job, but soft skills help you keep it and grow. Students were encouraged to cultivate skills like adaptability, empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity, especially relevant in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

3. Communication is More Than Words
   One of the most enlightening discussions revolved around non-verbal communication—tone, body language, facial expressions, and even silence. The students were surprised to learn that what is left unsaid can be just as powerful as what is spoken.

4. How to Handle Conflict Positively
   Conflict is inevitable in any team setting, but how one handles it makes all the difference. Joyce and Wilkie introduced practical strategies for managing disagreements constructively, including active listening, depersonalizing issues, and seeking win-win outcomes.

5. Developing Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
   Emotional intelligence emerged as a recurring theme. Students were guided on how to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions, as well as how to empathize with others. This is especially critical in service-based industries like tourism, where client satisfaction often depends on emotional connections.

6. Real-World Testimonials
   Both facilitators generously shared personal stories and real-life examples from their own careers. These testimonials added a layer of authenticity and relatability that deeply resonated with the students.

A Call to Connect: Bringing Back Humanity

Perhaps the most profound takeaway from the session was the idea of restoring human connection in a fragmented world. As automation and digital interactions become more commonplace, there’s a risk of losing the essence of human interaction—compassion, curiosity, and community.

Through their heartfelt delivery, Wilkie and Joyce reminded attendees that being kind, present, and genuinely interested in others is not only rewarding on a personal level but is also a competitive advantage in the professional space.

Q&A: Knowledge Shared, Confidence Built

To wrap up the session, an engaging Q&A segment allowed students to ask candid questions and express their thoughts. From queries about dealing with difficult supervisors during internships to strategies for overcoming shyness, no topic was off-limits.

The facilitators responded with honesty and encouragement, creating an atmosphere of trust and mentorship. Several students mentioned afterward that this session was the first time they felt truly “seen” and “heard” in a professional training context.

Moving Forward: A Seed Planted

The July mentorship & training session was more than just an academic exercise—it was a transformative experience for everyone involved. The students left with a deeper appreciation of the value of interpersonal skills, and a renewed sense of purpose as they prepare to step into the professional world.

At KAWT, we believe in the power of mentorship to not only inform but also to inspire and uplift. Our commitment to nurturing the next generation of women (and men) in tourism remains unwavering, and we will continue to create opportunities where knowledge meets compassion.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Wilkie Ominde and Joyce Kienji for their time, wisdom, and leadership, and to the team at IHTI for graciously hosting us. Your collaboration made this session a resounding success.

To the students: As you begin your attachment journeys, remember that your technical expertise will open doors, but your ability to connect, collaborate, and communicate will determine how far you go. Let the lessons from this session guide you to not only become great professionals but also kind and conscious citizens of the world.