Hands-On Skills Keeping Juja Learners From Drugs and Illicit Behaviours During the Holiday

 

By John Kariuki 

In Juja sub-county, Kiambu County, a transformative initiative is taking place aimed at keeping learners away from anti-social behaviours, including drugs, substance abuse, illicit brews, and petty crimes during the holiday season.

The programme, introduced by the Jamii Technical Training Institute based in Witeithie Sub-county, is providing learners with diverse hands-on skills to equip them for productive futures. Among the key skills being imparted are Khaki products making, branding, and marketing—practical skills that are designed to help learners create items such as packaging bags for food products like sugar, rice, cooking flour, and gift bags, book covers, and envelopes.

The initiative aims to not only offer valuable skills but to also empower youth, particularly those from humble backgrounds, enabling them to support themselves and their families. By keeping them engaged during the holiday, the programme seeks to reduce idleness, a factor often linked to a rise in petty crimes in the peri-urban areas.

Charles Kimani, the proprietor and director of the institution, voiced his concern over the surge in petty crimes being perpetrated by idle youngsters. He emphasized that socio-economic empowerment is the key solution to tackling this issue. “Engaging these young people in meaningful, productive activities is the only way to deal with the menace of crime in our community,” Kimani said.

The programme is also serving as a protective measure for young schoolgirls, who are often vulnerable to predators during school holidays. Kimani pointed out that the initiative provides a safe space for girls, preventing them from falling prey to early pregnancies, which often derail their educational journeys. “This is the best way to protect children from predators and other vices that can ruin their education and lives. We’re doing this for free as a way of giving back to society, and we believe that if mentored and empowered well, these kids will become productive members of the community,” he explained.

Additionally, the course aligns with the current Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which places a strong emphasis on hands-on skills and life lessons, including environmental conservation through recycling. Kimani intends to engage the Ministry of Education to have Khaki products making incorporated into the CBC, recognizing the importance of offering young learners life-long skills.

Kimani urged parents to enroll their children in the free course, emphasizing that it’s an effective way to keep youngsters away from drugs, alcohol, and other illicit behaviours. “We are pleading with parents not to let their children idle at home or in the village. They can join us, benefit from the programme, and network with other learners,” he added.

Learners who have participated in the programme are already seeing its positive impact. Lucy Wanjiru, a Form Two student at Gachororo Secondary School, praised the initiative for being transformative. “Instead of idling in the village, I decided to join this institution through a friend, and the skills I’ve acquired here have broadened my mindset. This is a noble opportunity that other learners should seize,” said Wanjiru.

Samuel Njenga, another participant, echoed her sentiments, urging other youngsters to pursue practical life skills that can help end the unemployment crisis facing many youth in the country. “With the right skills, you can start your own income-generating venture, moving from being a job seeker to an employer,” he said.

Teresia Wairimu and Mary Wanjiru, who have also benefitted from the programme, said that it was a significant boost for them, as they can now better support their families after struggling with joblessness. They encouraged their peers to embrace short, hands-on skills training rather than relying solely on white-collar jobs.

The programme continues to make a profound impact on the youth of Juja, providing them with the tools they need to secure their future while keeping them safe from the dangers of idleness and harmful behaviours.

April 11, 2025