Job Skills Training for Marginalized Kenyan Youth

Dear Donors and Friends,

We are happy to report that the Shaurio Yako Community Youth Support Centre's construction skills training program, which we are now delivering in collaboration with county governments, National Construction Authority, National Industrial Training Authority, CAPYEI and construction industry partners,is changing lives for many youth. 

And we have some exciting news to share! As you know, at the Shauri Yako Youth Community Centre, we work to empower impoverished youth with high-demand job skills so they can have greater control over their livelihoods and futures. We are thrilled to report that after months of discussions with local governments on how to create youth economic opportunities through job creation in the construction industry - the biggest employer in Kenya right now - three counties have agreed to partner with SYSC. Over the next two years, the Nyeri, Mchakos and Kajiado county governments will provide jobs to youth we train and help get certified in construction skills!

We hope this is the first step in seeing these counties work with SYSC to develop Technical Vocational Education and Training programs that will provide hands-on construction-industry skills training to many more youth in this regions.     

We are also thrilled to report that our advocacy efforts have paid off: county governments have agreed to create a policy to require job skills training and employment as a part of every infrastructure and construction project!  We are suggesting that every project also require a skills and employment budget, and hope this will be approved and implemented within the year. 

Recent Statistics

In 2024, we are proud to have trained and placed 18 youth in jobs (4 masons, 4 plumbers, 4 welders, 4 tillers and  2 solar technicians). A new group of trainees began in February 2025 and the Kajiado County Government has agreed to provide jobs to each one when they complete their training and certification!

Other Program News

Our Scouts and life skills training program continues to promote leadership skills, positive social mental health of young persons, and plays an important role in strengthening coping strategies, developing self-confidence and social behavior. The program also teaches health and hygiene practices and decision making. Also very important, Scouts provide much-needed free community services. 

Our Maternal Health Education initiative is a special project supported by Nyeri County government and funded by the Government of Japan to train the health workers. In the informal settlements of Nyeri town, the maternal mortality ratio - the number of women dying of pregnancy-related causes - is high. Women who do not get recommended health care services before they become pregnant are more likely to die due to pregnancy and childbirth complications. Women’s health before, during, and pregnancy can have a major impact on infants' health and well-being. The strategy is to help pregnant women get medical care and to end preventable maternal and perinatal death, particularly those women at risk of being left behind, such as those from the informal urban settlements that we serve.The government has trained and placed 3 Maternal Health workers at SYSC.

On behalf of us at SYSC, thank you for your unwavering support, and may we continue to bring hope and change to lives of those who need it most. Your support has provided livelihood for many people in desperate need, skills training and jobs, and has made a huge impact in our communities. 

Sincerely,

Joe