Project Summary
Young Africa Works in Kenya-TVET is a five-year initiative (2020-2025) focused on developing 25 Centres of Excellence (COEs) as model institutions. The program aims to increase young Kenyans’ participation, especially women, in market-relevant skills training to boost youth employment in key sectors. This project was funded by Mastercard Foundation and Global Affairs Canada, managed by Colleges and Institutes Canada, and was delivered in partnership with NorQuest College and Northern Lights College.
The Challenge
Kenya faces significant challenges in youth unemployment, particularly among women. The need for market-relevant skills training is critical to ensure that young people can secure dignified and fulfilling work. Additionally, there is a necessity to enhance the infrastructure, equipment and instructor capacity at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to meet the demands of the Big Four sectors (manufacturing, food security and nutrition, universal health coverage and affordable housing) and the digital sector.
You have transformed us so we can transform others. And it is my pleasure that the knowledge you have given to us can cascade down to those who are not here but in other departments, as you did last time, to benefit the institution and the culture. We are so grateful you find the time to work with us…sometimes, I could see you working at twelve at night to ensure this training became a success. We don’t take it for granted. We say thank you. We shall miss you a lot. We wish you could have extended your stay another week. Otherwise, thank you.
The Solution
The program adopts a partner-driven participatory approach to address these challenges. Key activities include launching at least six gender-responsive and industry-relevant courses at each partner institution, creating an inventory of existing infrastructure and instructor skills, and expanding employer engagement activities. Training is provided to trainers delivering TVET curricula in the targeted sectors, and trainer exchanges between Kenya and Canada are facilitated.
As part of the initiative, eight learners gained skills in preparing sampling equipment and tools according to product specifications, while 35 students were trained to collect food material samples in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Additionally, 10 participants developed proficiency in recording food samples in alignment with workplace guidelines. Trainer capacity was significantly enhanced, with 27 trainers participating in an in-person train-the-trainer session in Canada. These trainers also implemented a Trainer Guide rubric to assess and improve several instructional tasks and rubrics, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Gender equality and inclusion activities are integrated to ensure a comprehensive approach to education and employment. Together, these efforts are driving significant advancements in the skills and employment opportunities for Kenyan youth, with a focus on addressing the needs of key economic sectors.
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