The Family Group Foundation has extended technical and vocational training in plumbing and electrical installation to 50 Kenya Navy dependents.
The program that is done in partnership with the Military Wives Association of Kenya, has so far benefitted 100 dependents, aged 18-25 years, of service personnel in both the Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Air Force. The goal of the program is to enhance employability and entrepreneurial opportunities for dependants of the dependents of those serving in the military.
Speaking during the 2nd cohort graduation of 50 Kenya Air Force servicemen and women dependents, Kenya Airforce Commander Major General Fatuma Ahmed commended the Family Group Foundation and the Military Wives Association of Kenya for their concerted efforts towards improving the welfare of KDF families.
“This partnership has continued to show the need for a transformative approach to establish social and economic grounding among young men and women. This programme is inspiring our children to contribute meaningfully to the development of our country and make a positive impact to the community and the world at large,” said Major General Fatuma Ahmed.
Members of the 1st cohort have made significant impact in the job market with 15% transitioning into the Kenya Defence Forces as skilled tradesmen while the remaining 85% have ventured into employment establishing their own businesses.
“The acquisition of vocational and technical skills through the various TVET institutions in Kenya creates an avenue for the youth to acquire practical skills as they transition to employment or entrepreneurship. As Family Bank, we are committed to equipping young people with the necessary skills they need to meet the evolving labour market demands and economically empower them for a sustainable future,” said Family Bank, CEO, Nancy Njau.
The Kenya Navy beneficiaries will undergo the same comprehensive three-month construction training program as well as receive construction starter toolkits worth Kshs 50,000 to equip them for the job market, internship, apprenticeship placements as well as labour market linkages.
The initiative is part of the Family Group Foundation’s shared values initiative under the Tufuzu Youth Entrepreneurship Development Project which focuses on empowering women and youth through sustainable community investment. The program is certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the National Construction Authority (NCA).
“We are proud of this programme which is transformative and feeds into national economic agenda. Through this partnership, we are bridging the gap between labour market demands and skills development of the young people who are dependents of the military men and women. The result of which we believe will lead to the decrease of unemployment among the young people,” said Military Wives Association of Kenya, Chairlady, Grace Kahariri.