Provide Job Skills to Kenyan Slum Youth

Dear friends,

With the $13,146 you have helped us to raise since joining Global Giving, we have been able to provide job skills training for 82 youth in computers, tailoring and entrepreneurships. We've supported the completion of Global Giving micro-projects like building a new program centre that gives our youth a reprieve from the streets, and installing sanitary toilets for a community accustomed to sharing pit latrine amongst up to 30 people. We assisted those trainees interested in starting small business/self-employment with access to micro-credit loans from Uwezo Fund.  65% of those trained are directly employed and others are in self-employment. And every program participant has received HIV/AIDS education, testing and counseling.

However, we are still striving to raise the remaining $9,560 of our target, so we can train 160 more youth. We aim to purchase equipment and run a six month welding/metal fabrication skills training course. According to 2015  government report, Kenya's 47 counties are facing an acute shortage of qualified construction sector trades people, like electricians, masons, plumbers and welders.  Labour cost have climbed to 25% of total building costs, according to the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya.  To achieve the development goals in Vision 2030, Kenya will need to train 250,000 trade persons. In the meantime, we will use our small computer lab to deliver computer training, offering youth a highly employable skill.

Are you able to make a donation? With enough support, we will buy welding and metal fabrication machines and hire a trainer. Do you have access to old computers that would allow us to train dozens of new youth? Could you spare some time? SYSC relies heavily on volunteers to sustain its programs. There are many ways you can volunteer with us. We would welcome you as a skills trainer at our centre, in the areas of computers, music, fine arts, etc. We could also really use your help as a grant writer, advisor and fundraiser from where you live. We also value Friends of Shauri Yako, a group of people who are able to promote the work of SYSC through their networks, raising awareness and support for our work.

Lastly, we're pleased to let you know we will be partnering with Nyeri Micro Enterprises (Jua Kali) to start Youth Training Placements Pilot Project in 2016. This is an innovative pilot project that will place 12 youth for 3 months to gain training in shoe making and metal fabrication. With the goal of enabling self-employment, they will gain hands-on training in entrepreneurship, including how to sell the products they make.  SYSC needs to raise $2,310 to contribute tools and 2 grinding machines for trainees, work wear and support allowance. We are excited about the new opportunities and possibilities this partnership will create.

If you have ideas for us, or would like to volunteer, please reply to this email or contact Joe joseshauriyako@gmail.com.

Together we are making a difference.

With thanks to you and your families for your generosity.