Transforming futures:Empowering young people with essential job skills

Peterson Mwai, is a beneficiary of the Apprenticeship and Vocational Training for Economic Sustainability programme.

Peterson Mwai is an ambitious 19-year-old who hails from Nyandarua County. His life journey depicts resilience, hope, and persistence in challenging times. Ever since his parents passed on at the tender age of 8 years, Peterson was left in the hands of his grandmother who struggled to provide for him, a situation that forced him to move out of her home to Ongata Rongai to live with his aunt who supported his education.

After completing his secondary education, his aunt onboarded him to the Apprenticeship and Vocational Training for Economic Sustainability (AVTES) programme where he was enrolled to pursue Motorcycle Mechanics apprentice. The course took six months and after completing it, Peterson was able to secure a job with Evangelising Sisters of Mary where he is now able to earn a living. With this opportunity, Peterson pays his bills and supports his aunt and grandmother.

51 youths who graduated from the AVTES programme.

Peterson is one of the 51 youths who have benefited from the 6-month AVTES programme supported by KCDF, which has reached a significant milestone with the graduation of its second cohort.

This second cohort underwent hands-on training in essential skills such as vehicle mechanics, metal fabrication, beauty and salon services, and tailoring.

In partnership with the Evangelising Sisters of Mary, KCDF worked to economically empower unemployed youth in the urban informal settlements of Nairobi and Kajiado Counties, helping them build a better future for themselves and their communities. KCDF’s vision is to foster flourishing and resilient communities, while promoting social justice and sustainable development. We achieve this through initiatives like the Pamoja for Change Programme, which focuses on enhancing community-driven development through local fundraising.

The Pamoja for Change Programme enables organizations to raise funds for project implementation, with KCDF matching the amount raised on a shilling-for-shilling basis. The Evangelising Sisters of Mary successfully raised KES 478,000 for a project that required KES 956,000 in total. In alignment with our commitment, KCDF matched the funds raised, contributing an additional KES 478,000 to support the project.

A key component of our work involves providing skills training to students, empowering them to become active contributors to their communities. By equipping youth with the necessary skills, we enable them to address local challenges and drive positive change.

The ESM-Mission Animation Program employed a strategic recruitment approach, actively engaging with youth through community outreach, awareness campaigns, and local networks. Through mapping local businesses and collaborating with 17 local entrepreneurs.

The project specifically targeted youths from Nairobi and Kajiado Counties, regions facing high unemployment rates, limited access to education and vocational training, and social marginalization. By focusing on these communities, the program aimed to create pathways for both personal and professional development, ensuring that the training reached those most in need. The initiative included apprenticeship opportunities with local entrepreneurs, providing critical on-the-job learning experiences.

8 participants from the second cohort have secured employment, while 18 have established their businesses. In addition to vocational training, the program incorporated mentorship and entrepreneurship sessions, covering key areas such as work ethics, group dynamics, financial literacy, climate change, digital literacy, and digital marketing. These sessions were highly engaging, offering participants a platform to learn valuable skills and share experiences with their peers.

As part of its ongoing commitment to building resilient and sustainable communities, KCDF continues to support programs like AVTES that foster youth empowerment, economic development, and social inclusion. Moving forward, continued support for such initiatives will be crucial in fostering economic resilience and creating sustainable opportunities for youth in underserved areas.