Labour and Social Protection Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Jackson Musyoka Kala has underscored the need for vocational training programs in imparting skills to school leavers in order to help them enhance their living standards.
Speaking at the Jitegemee Children’s Program graduation in Machakos town, where over 70 adults graduated, Kala stated that vocational training is critical in imparting requisite skills to youths and adults with minimal education qualifications to enable them exploit their abilities and translate them into career.
“Today we have attended the Jitegemee graduation, where over 70 adults have managed to acquire training on various skills. Such training equips apprentices with new skills that they can use to create employment opportunities for themselves,” said Kala.
He pointed out that the Jitegemee Children Program is one of the initiative that trains individuals on leadership and business skills that are competitive in the country’s economic sector.
Beneficiaries of the Program complimented its efforts to ensure that children, youths and adults in Machakos benefit from their services.
They revealed that the Jitegemee program offers free vocational and livelihood skills, which have enabled many of the residents to engage in various activities including starting their own businesses to earn a living.
“I am a beneficiary of the program. The trainers were patient with us and ensured that we obtained the required skills before leaving. Someone needs to start from scratch in order to succeed,” said one Mulinge wa Mbiivi.
The initiative has been able to give educational and integrated assistance to the County’s disadvantaged children as well as adults. They provide youth with vocational and livelihood training, as well as healthcare education and psychosocial support.
By Conceptah Isanya and Anne Kangero
