Impact Stories & Blogs

by Yaffet Girum Tesfaye, Cohort 27, Ethiopia

I broke YALI RLC EA’s all-time Microsoft Office Certification record by scoring 936 out of 1000 on my Microsoft PowerPoint Examination. At 20 years old, I am also the only alumnus who has ever done and successfully passed the four main Microsoft certification examinations; PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Access.

When I joined YALI RLC EA program, I did not expect to leave with four Microsoft certifications. I had joined to be empowered in my role in youth advocacy. I am a student of Computer Science and Engineering, a man of many technological and IT aspirations. I was thrilled hearing about the Microsoft certification opportunity the Center offers to its participants, I was excited thinking about its impact in my life. The experience was priceless because I have always enjoyed a good challenge and best of all, they are free! If I had paid for the certifications, it would have cost me about $1200! Thank you YALI RLC EA and Microsoft.

It is one of the stepping stones towards finding what I am truly passionate about in addition to giving me confidence and experience. Amazing opportunities await me in that the certification provides industry-leading assessments of skills and knowledge, giving students and professionals real-world exercises to appraise their understanding of Microsoft Office. In the worldwide job market, Microsoft Office Specialist is the primary tool companies use to validate the proficiency of their employees in the latest productivity tools and technology, helping them select job candidates based on globally recognized standards for verifying skills. I highly encourage others to do so as well. Participating in the program was a life changing experience as YALI RLC EA is all about the people and improving their skills.