Vocational Training Centres (VTC) in Uasin Gishu County are set to benefit from training tools and equipment through a partnership between the County, and a UK non-governmental organisation, Work Aid International.
Through the partnership, the VTCs across the county will benefit from plumbing, milk pasteurisers, masonry tools, bakery equipment, and tailoring, among other tools and equipment.
Work Aid International East Africa Regional Coordinator, Grace Mwangi, said the NGO was involved in empowering young people in Africa towards assisting them to become self-reliant by developing their skills and knowledge needed to compete for the limited gainful employment opportunities.
Ms. Mwangi made the remarks during a visit by Work Aid, a UK-based NGO supporting VTCs in Africa, officials to Uasin Gishu County to assess VTCs’ readiness to receive the tools and equipment.
“We equip the institutions with tools for welding, fashion and garment making, wiring, food and beverages, salon, barber, bakery, and pasteurisers, among other courses,” Ms. Mwangi said.
The Work Aid International team and officials from the county government visited Mugundoi, Ngenyilel, and Eldoret Vocational Training Centres.
Among those accompanying the team were the County Assembly Leader of Majority Julius Sang, Chief Officer of Social Services Eunice Suter, Director of Vocational Training Phylis Lagat, and Director of Education Joseph Keroney.
County Executive Committee Member, CECM for Education and Vocational Training, Antony Sitienei, lauded the partnership, saying it was going to help the VTCs holistically as the equipment will go a long way towards equipping the learners to be ready for the job market apart from growing the capacity of the colleges.
“Our youthful population needs technical training that will help them gain skills to help them generate employment and be independent,” noted the CECM.
By Kiptanui Cherono
