In a major boost aimed towards equipping youth in the banditry-prone Kerio Valley region of Marakwet East, World Vision International has donated work equipment for more than 200 graduands from various technical and vocational training centers and polytechnics. The Swedish government-funded project aims to enable those youth become self-employed and economically self-reliant.
Empowering Youth through Vocational Training
Initiative Background
The Vocational trainings sponsored by the Swedish government through World Vision, targeted the youth in Kerio Valley region in a bid to create for them alternative sources of income. This would equip them with some level of technical skills that would wean them off traditional livelihoods like animal keeping, often disrupted by banditry.
Distribution of Tools
“Among the youth receiving trade equipment are reformed bandits who shun the vice and decided to venture into meaningful activities to foster peace and change the livelihoods of communities” said County CEC for Education Edwin Kibor in a recent event at Chesongoch Polytechnic. The distributed tools range from motor vehicle mechanics to beauty therapy among others, that the youth have been trained on and are ready to put into use.
Impact on the Community
Economic Development
The initiative will be a great boost to the economic development of this region once the equipment are distributed. He highlighted the efforts by the county government in improving the welfare of the youths through job creation and opportunities abroad, such as Pepea initiative-a student airlifting programme.
World Vision’s Commitment
Moses Kiptugen, World Vision programme coordinator, was grateful to the Swedish government for having funded the project. He said that the programme was all about addressing the youth’s unemployment across the community. “The programme has been successful. We would wish to see communities prospering as we work in getting to invest in the skills of the people so that they can live meaningful lives,” Kiptugen said.
Success Stories
One of the recipients, Matthew Chebii, testified about his experience and how the equipment and training have transformed his life. “These tools come in handy in improving the way to operate and increase income. I try my best to serve my community with my skills,” he said. From Chebii’s testimony and other stories, it is beyond doubt that the vocational training, as well as proper equipment were bringing change to individuals and the community the individual lives and works within.
Encouraging Further Participation
Call to Action for School Leavers
The initiative also serves as a motivator to other school leavers to join vocational training institutions. The success of the initiative is an indication that technical skills gained apart from academic pursuit are vital in gaining economic independence and community development.