Job Skills Training for Marginalized Kenyan Youth

Dear Friends,

We are excited to send you an update from the Shauri Yako Community Youth Centre (SYSC). Thanks to your GlobalGiving donations and a generous gift from a longtime SYSC donor, our tailoring skills training program is back! We had to pause this program three years ago as we emerged from the pandemic due to a lack of funding, despite high demand from youth. 

As I write, the tailoring skills program is in its fourth month and is going very well. We have 16 trainees who will graduate in September 2026. We plan to find an industry internship for each trainee, after which they will be certified. This means prospective employers will have confidence that our graduates are job-ready when they apply to positions in the workforce. Tailoring skills are also valuable to participants looking to start a business and pursue self-employment. 

Construction Skills Training:

SYSC continues to provide skills training for out-of-school youth. With the increased demand for skilled workers in the construction industry this year, we are also working with colleges under the Ministry of Education's Department of Vocational Training to provide internships for their students, a requirement for graduation. We are currently supporting 20 trainees (masonry, welding, plumbing, tile fitting, and carpentry) and 12 electrician interns. We are also extremely happy to report that all of our 2025 trainees have secured full-time jobs with our partners in the construction industry or the country government.

Our Scouts and Life Skills programs also continue to provide essential life, leadership, civic engagement, and mental and physical health support for youth. 

We appreciate your sincere hearts and generous donations.