Provide Job Skills to Kenyan Slum Youth

YEAR END REPORT FROM SHAURI YAKO YOUTH SUPPORT CENTRE (SYSC)

December 2016

Nyeri, Kenya

Dear Friends,

As we come to the end year 2016, we are grateful for all the support we received from our Global Giving donors. Your support enabled Shauri Yako Community Youth Support Centre to continue providing skills training for our underprivileged youth. Because of you, we were able to support a youth theatre group with a membership of 16 people and to provide computer skills training. We are proud that the theatre group started performing for pay this Christmas season, and is also performing to provide health and civic education. These opportunities we give to Shauri Yako youth are only possible with your generous donations.

And it’s not too late to make a difference. There is still time to contribute in 2016. Your donation will have its impact multiplied by giving us the chance to compete for bonus prizes in GlobalGiving’s Year-End Campaign. And, if you set up a new recurring donation, your first contribution will be matched 200%!

Thank you for training me how to use a computer

I am 48 year of age; I learned how to use a computer and how to operate an email account here at SYSC. Today, many Kenya government services are offered online, and most people in Shauri Yako community are not computer literate, but can learn and access the free computer services at Shauri Yako Centre. The centre offers opportunities for free training, education programs for our children and a place for youth to escape from the slums. Thank you for supporting our community.

-Jane Mumbi-

Reproductive health education

I am 19 years old and unemployed single mother of two children. I didn’t have knowledge of reproductive health until I attended SYSC Reproductive Health Program here early this year. I am now able to take care of myself, but many youth here are ignorant. There is a huge need for RHE in our community. Girls from 14 years who live in Shauri Yako, Manjengo and Kiawara slums are always at risk. Our custom doesn’t allow parents to teach their children about reproductive health, as a result we make many mistakes that have painful consequences. SYSC project was very helpful.

-Ngendo Muburi- 

I am grateful for giving me job skills

Six month ago I was looking for a place to hangout after a job search and somebody to talk to when I dropped by Shauri Yako Centre. The program coordinator introduced me to the scout and theatre group, and I chose to get involved with theatre group. Today I am a member of that theatre group and I have discovered that I have talent.  I want to pursue further training and study in theatre and acting.

-Maureen Wanja-

Looking Forward:

We look to 2017 with optimism. We have a new group of volunteers helping us with grant writing, and a strategic plan to focus on high demand skills training in metal work, welding, masonry and leather goods production. According to Kenya’s National Housing Corporation, Kenya is experiencing such a shortage of skilled construction industry workers that workers may have to be imported. SYSC is seeking partners to help us seize the opportunity to train the many unemployed youth in our community to help meet this demand.

Thank you again for supporting our work. If you can, PLEASE DONATE TODAY. All donations made by US donors are tax-deductible – so please give by 23:59:59 EST on December 31.

Bless you you abundantly. Look forward to working with you in the New Year.

Joe Mwai

Shauri Yako Community Youth Support Centre