260 Teenagers Graduate After Taking Technical Courses

The County government of Trans Nzoia has trained 260 teenagers, including 50 teen mothers, on various technical skills in conjunction with the Child Rescue Center Kenya (CRK).

During the graduation ceremony at Kitale vocational training center, County Education CEC Julie Kichwen noted that the initiative is in line with the governor’s George Natembeya manifesto on education.

“The training will equip youth with technical skills for self-employment, she said.
The graduates from Machungwa, Matisi, and Kitale VTC were challenged to utilize the skills acquired to create employment,” she said.

She said the county would soon open an application process for the Nawiri fund, challenging graduates to apply and use the funds to set up an income-generating venture.

“The county intends to introduce vocational training centers’ capitation funds to support the 32 VTCs located throughout the county. In addition to boosting enrollment, this move will enhance the teaching of technical courses,” he added.

The CEC Education noted that the Department do assessments in all centers before tools and other teaching materials are distributed.
She reiterated that Governor Natembeya’s administration will soon launch a scholarship program for underprivileged but bright students in secondary schools, universities, tertiary colleges, and vocational training centers.

“Labor export is another initiative under the current administration. We intend to prepare our youth so that they will be able to work anywhere in the world and help the country earn foreign exchange,” she said.

CRK program manager Stephen Barasa said the funding of VTCs by the organization has contributed to a decrease in the number of unskilled youths in the county.

“This is especially true for those living in informal settlements such as Taiwan, Kipsongo, Matisi, and Rafiki. The program has helped reduce the number of early pregnancies and drug abuse among youth. As a result of this, a large number of youths who had been idle following the completion of their O-level examinations have now enrolled in different vocational training centers in the county,” he said.

He said those who graduated are now generating income through carpentry and tailoring instead of depending on the congested BodaBoda business.

“Over 95% of the 400 graduates have already begun earning income from the acquired skills, says Barasa. Every graduate of CRK receives a start-up kit to assist them in starting their businesses after completing their courses,” he added.
“If a student takes a course in mechanics we give him or her a mechanic toolbox. If it is hairdressing we give them a full kit for the salon including a blow dry machine, a mirror if it’s plumbing, electrical, and so forth. We have seen them change their lives. Next year we are planning to support 170 youth,” he added.

A teen mother from Kitale vocational training center, Susan Mulongo, said that she had lost hope in life after getting pregnant as a result of enduring difficult life circumstances. As a qualified tailor, she sees light and a better life at the end of the tunnel. After receiving the start-up kit, she plans to open her own business.

A similar story was told by Eric Okumu, who attested that he was passionate about welding and fabrication before joining the program. Nevertheless, he can now earn a living. Now he can support his family.