Over 2000 youth are set to benefit from technical and vocational training in construction through an additional KES 60 million investment through Family Bank’s philanthropic arm, The Family Group Foundation.
Through the USAID Tumikia Mtoto Programme, implemented by World Vision Kenya, the Foundation trains young and vulnerable women in electrical, paintwork and plumbing with a goal to strengthen the health and human capacity by addressing the barriers and their effects on HIV-related vulnerable children and adolescents while increasing the economic stability of households to care for and protect orphans and vulnerable children.
Speaking during the fourth graduation of 100 young and vulnerable women of the USAID Tumikia Mtoto Programme, the Secretary Department of Children’s Services Shem Nyakutu reiterated the government’s efforts in upscaling the sector.
“The national government is deliberate in propelling key technical and vocational skills through initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Programme and availing opportunities to export skilled labour abroad,” he said.
The importance of Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) cannot be underscored as it seeks to align with Sustainable Development Goal 4 to eliminate disparities in access to education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations.
“This project is the heart of our Shared Value Initiative through The Family Group Foundation and our commitment is evident through our long-term investment. It is an end-to-end value drive for our youth. The youth receive life-long technical skill sets while at the same time undergo financial training coupled with sexual and reproductive health and soft skills such as confidence building, public speaking and eventually placement in construction sites,” said Family Bank Chief Executive CEO Rebecca Mbithi.
“We have seen over 80 per cent of the youth trained transition to internships and acquire decently paid work in various construction sites. It is also great to see over 30 per cent pursue entrepreneurial journey and others proceed to join tertiary institutions and universities to advance their studies,” added Ms Mbithi.
The program’s impact reaches far beyond vocational instruction, acting as a crucial instrument for reducing vulnerabilities like HIV infection, violence, and transactional sex. To better prepare the trainees for the job market, the USAID Tumikia Mtoto Project equips all the graduates with construction tool kits worth KES 50,000 at no cost to the beneficiaries to jumpstart them for freelancing and employment opportunities.
“The graduation ceremony for this fourth cohort of trainees is a celebration of perseverance, triumph, and collaboration,” said the USAID Deputy Mission Director Bert Ubamadu.
“The U.S. government is proud to support these young women who constitute more than half of the productive population and can make significant contributions towards Kenya’s development. To the graduates, congratulations! All your hard work and perseverance have led you to this proud moment in your lives. You are an inspiration to us all, and I know you will continue to make us proud,” he said.
The training provided is certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the National Construction Authority (NCA) through Arc Skills, a leading provider of skills and development solutions for schools, universities, and businesses.
“Today, we celebrate not just a graduation but the beginning of a change, a ripple effect that these women will create in their communities,” said World Vision Kenya National Director Gilbert Kamanga.
