Provide Job Skills to Kenyan Slum Youth

“Reading and storytelling program at centre on Saturdays is my best time. I can read Hadizi za Abunuazi and other books well now, and can tell many stories to all my friends”. -  Elisa Wanja (12 years) -

Skills training for construction industry artisans:

Thanks to you, SYSC launched a new construction industry artisans training project in partnership with Options for Homes Kenya in April. Eight youth are now placed with an Options for Homes construction project in Ngong Hills, Kajiado County and learning plumbing and masonry skills.  This housing construction project will provide on-the-job building experience for three months, after which the participants will test for certification through the KILBIT Training Institute.  Given the persistent shortage of qualified tradespeople in Kenya, we know we are providing highly employable job skills.

Our objective is to expand to include welding, metal fabrication and electrician skills training.  We are working with CAP Youth Learn, and Earn to explore establishing a training program centre at our SYSC facility in Nyeri town. A community-based program would allow us to serve many more youth in need and avoid having participants commute long-distances other training venues.

Civic Engagement in Upcoming Elections:

Country General Elections bare here again, and so are the politicians, seeking votes from residents – particularly youth.  SYSC is busy hosting candidates so we can discuss our community’s most pressing needs – vocation training for youth, a new primary school and a sewer system.  We are also working to educate youth who feel disenfranchised and overlooked to not sell their vote and use it to elect a politician who will champion their problems. We are also advocating for youth representation on the Nyeri County government.

Studio Mashinani Youth empowerment initiative:

A joint government & co-operative sponsored initiative led by Studio Mashinani Arts Centre, which will identify and promote youth with artistic talents – is preparing to launch in all counties, including Nyeri town. This is a major step in the right direction for youth here.  Not only will the initiative create jobs here, but address youth social issues, like lack of engagement or opportunity for creative expression.  SYSC is working with the Nyeri County government and Studio Mashinani program managers to help identify the land for the development and project implementation.    

SYSC Scout program: Celebrating Tirus

We are proud of Tirus Ndegwa, a SYSC Youth Support Officer, who has been elected as Assistant Commissioner for Nyeri Scouts Association in recognition for his long service with Kenya’s Scouts Association. Tirus is the founder and trainer for SYSC’s Scouts Troop, which provides over 15 volunteer hours a month to our community, including maintaining SYSC’s centre and environmental stewardship of the Nyeri.  Able to help? Our scouts are in need of new uniforms and funding to organize training camps. 

Fundraising:

The $1032.45 raised through your GlobalGiving support this year have been allocated as follows: $820 to support our on-going construction skills training program, and $212.45 for office administration. Thanks to the support of 2 new volunteers, we have submitted 3 project proposals since April: 2 for skills training and one for youth reproductive health training. Keep your fingers crossed for us! We continue seeking for funds to expand our skills training program, our main strategic goal.

 To our donors and friends, thank you so much for your continuous support. We could not help youth lift themselves from poverty without your kindness.

Truly yours,

Joe