We believe that investing in skills development programmes to empower youths is an effective way to curb the rising rate of unemployment. Connecting youth with solid employment opportunities and decent jobs to better themselves while contributing to the larger economy.
Daraja 360 has been helping students through the application process.
This year we managed to apply and secure admission for more than 15 students. Just recently we got two students into National polytechnics after sending three applications.
Here is a success story of George Kerio, a young man from the outskirts of Nakuru, Kongasis village in Gilgil sub-county. He’s 24 years old (form-four leaver) and one of the beneficiaries of Daraja 360- women & youth economic empowerment program-with great aspirations for a better life.
After going through tough time just to finish his education, George didn’t manage to get good grades to qualify him for a university or college education. He scored a mean grade of D+ which qualifies him for technical Training. Worried and confused on what to do next, George had to explore all possible options.
So, in October 2020 he joined Daraja wanting to serve in the National Youth Services. Our team followed up on that process but unfortunately, he failed to join the service during the recruitment process. However, we engaged him in the Daraja social enterprise department as support staff.
Back to the drawing board – George showed interest in automotive engineering. That was a good place to start because we also believe in perusing gift, passion and talents. After long deliberation and consultation, it was agreed to have him attached to a master craftsman for on-job training. It was the best option for him and affordable for the funding organization.
On January 2021, the Mastercraftsman took him up and suggested to have George for two weeks free orientation to be sure that he wanted to venture into that field. He was taken through the job descriptions and ethics to learn industrial best practices.
We followed up on his progress after the two weeks of training were over and he had in deed learned a lot in that field. In fact, the training period allowed the pleasure of picking a specialty in the automotive work – he is willing to be trained in wiring. Daraja paid the down payment of KES 10,000, tools of trade, upkeep during training i.e. food and accommodation for one year.
The whole course amounts to KES 20,000. Daraja will clear the balance so George can acquire this sustainable skill. George Kerio is currently on his seventh month into his training. The trainer mentioned him as been disciplined and teachable. The only challenge he has is that he requires a lot of repetition for him to grasp a concept.
This is one youth already on the path to career actualization and sustainability. We wish George all the best and may God continue to guide his steps.
