Page 6 - April 2025 Newsletter

Preparing Youth in Kwale for the work force

As part of its ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, Africa Youth Trust (AYT) continued its mission to equip young people with market-ready skills through a
series of Employability Training sessions in Kwale County. The sessions are part of the Shared Futures Programme.

Held in April at Ukunda, Mtongwe, and Mrima Vocational Training Centres, the trainings targeted final-year students pursuing technical and vocational courses. A total
of 74 young people, 40 per cent of them young women, were equipped with essential skills in CV writing, cover letter preparation, interview techniques, and
workplace readiness.
“For the first time, I feel confident about applying for a job,” said Amina, a final-year student at Mtongwe VTC. “I now understand what employers look for and how to
present myself professionally.”
Speaking during the Employability Training session at Mrima Vocational Training Centre, AYT Project Officer, Mr Saidi Kingi, said the intervention is addressing a
critical gap. “Many young people have the technical know-how but lack exposure to the job-seeking process. These sessions are helping them gain a competitive
edge in the labour market,” he said.
The training is designed to improve employability and support peacebuilding efforts by addressing one of the key drivers of youth vulnerability to violent extremism
which is economic exclusion. By equipping participants with practical job-seeking skills and boosting their confidence, the programme offers a viable alternative to
negative pathways.
The Employability Training forms part of the third phase of the Shared Futures Programme, which aims to empower youth and promote community transformation.
The programme is implemented by a consortium led by Cordaid, in partnership with Africa Youth Trust, Jamii Action Centre, Samba Sports Youth Agenda and ADS
Pwani, it is funded by Kerk in Actie.

Students at Ukunda Youth Polytechnic listen attentively as facilitators take them through key
Trainer of Trainers (ToT) Seif Ali speaks to students at Ukunda Youth Polytechnic during an
lessons on job readiness and career development.
Employability Training session under the Shared Futures Programme.

AYT’s Keith Muhati and ToT Seif Ali lead a practical demonstration on interview skills during the AYT Project Officer Saidi Kingi addresses final-year students at Mrima Vocational Training
Centre, highlighting the importance of employability skills in today’s job market.
Employability Training at Ukunda Vocational Training Centre.