Youths have been advised to demonstrate high level of integrity and discipline as they seek employable skills from state and non-state training institutions.
While addressing youths at Friends Church in Lumakanda town, Western Region Coordinator for Youth Affairs Timothy Kajwang’ said employing bodies are seeking honesty and transparency from young people seeking employment which unfortunately most do not possess.
Kajwang regretted that youths who demonstrate ungovernable behaviour have ended up dropping out of school or not able to complete any form of training that would lead to employment.
“Dishonest and indiscipline employed and self- employed persons never survive in their careers even if they possess exceptional skills,” he said.
The coordinator said individuals who are successful in life have always shown integrity throughout their careers.
Kajwang was speaking to successful youths selected for Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP) training.
Youths selected will undergo two months vigorous training in different areas identified by the trainees aimed at equipping them with employable skills at the end of training period.
He challenged the youths to keep discipline during the entire period of two months and thereafter when attached to Master Crafts who are expected to guide them in their different areas of specialization.
He asked the selected youths to wisely use the monthly stipend of Sh 6,000 to improve their different areas of artisan or craft training.
“I suggest that serious youths will use the monthly stipends to better their particular training areas, for instance a dressmaker will buy a sewing machine to use after the training period,” Kajwang advised.
He revealed that since the beginning of KYEOP, the lives of many youths in targeted counties have changed.
“This program will change your lives completely if you only obediently and competitively embrace the training requirements,” Kajwang added.
The youth affairs coordinator came to Lugari Sub-County to motivate the KYEOP-successful youths for training, exploit the opportunities towards changing their lives.
KYEOP is a World Bank and Government of Kenya Project with the aim of training youths on short term artisan craft skills in selected counties.
The beneficiaries are offered courses in carpentry, dressmaking, tailoring, masonry and catering among others.
By Geoffrey Satia
