Craft training creates perspectives in Kitui

Thanks for numerous machine donations / Training operation launched

Kenya has the highest youth unemployment rate in the East African region at 17.3%. To counteract this, the project “Craft Training for Youth” at the vocational school in Kitui aims to train young people in craft training branches, such as metalwork, welding, electronics, car mechanics, IT or renewable energies, according to national and international standards. This gives them the chance of employment and ultimately a perspective for the future. Despite the serious effects of the Corona pandemic, two important project goals have been achieved since the beginning of the project.

In order to start school and training operations at the Mutech Training Institute, it was of high importance to equip the premises with various machines relevant for training. As these machines are very difficult to obtain in Kenya or are available at very high prices, project leader Vincent Mutunge tried to organise discarded but still functional machines in Germany through his private and professional network – with success.

However, due to the Corona pandemic and the associated travel restrictions, there were massive delays in transporting the machines. Unfortunately, this also delayed the setting up of the school and the start of the training courses. Despite many bureaucratic hurdles and other adversities, a container with about 4000kg of machines and tools was finally transported to Kenya last summer. For this considerable sum of equipment donations, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all contributors and supporters as well as to Lufthansa Cityline in Cologne and Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg!

Thanks to the infrastructural equipment, the school has the possibility to set up its own production workshop in the future. This has the advantage that its own income can be generated from the sale of the goods produced by the trainees or through repair orders. In this way, the project can finance itself in the long term.

Not only the delay of the transport, but also the pandemic-related requirements of the authorities posed great challenges to the project in order to start the training as planned. In addition, there were area-wide school closures and the government’s order to convert the original school building into a quarantine station. Despite this precarious situation, it was possible to make progress with regard to the start of training. Within the framework of the available possibilities and in compliance with the prescribed Corona measures, school and training operations were finally able to begin gradually at the beginning of the year!

In view of the strict regulations, there are still some restrictions in the organisation and scheduling of lessons. This applies in particular to the theory units, which cannot be implemented as planned. Nevertheless, with the opening of the school, another important milestone has been reached to achieve a central project goal. The delegation of the German Chamber of Commerce in Kenya has agreed to prepare curricula based on the German IHK standards. This makes it possible for the young people to receive a recognised, sound school education.

It is also very gratifying that in the meantime the first woman has started a training course at the Mutech Training Institute. With her commitment, she acts as a role model for future female students. The first graduating class is expected to leave at the end of 2021. Whether in employment or with their own small business, the sound training lays the foundation for a successful entry into professional life. At the same time, it is the basis for the financial independence of graduates and their families. Investing in education can thus contribute to the sustainable development of the entire country.

Currently, the construction of larger premises has the highest priority in order to guarantee the accommodation of trainees, while realising distance and hygiene regulations. In addition, the capacity to accommodate students can be increased, which will give more young people a perspective.