The SME Founders Association (SFA), has partnered with Work Experience and Mentorship Academy (WEMA), to provide young graduates with paid Internship opportunities to access decent and sustainable work.
Launching a mentorship program for the young graduates at the National Museum in Nairobi, the two partners announced that the program will see graduates access opportunities in multiple organizations across the country where SFA will provide work opportunities for WEMA graduates from their network of small and medium enterprises, corporate and development partners.
Speaking during the launch, the SFA President, Kyesubire Greigg said that the program whose aim is to address the current unemployment challenge has been designed with both the graduate and employer in mind.
“This training supports Sustainable Development Goals number eight on decent work and economic growth unlike many programs in the market as it provides paid opportunities to graduates to offer their expertise to multiple organizations,” said Kyesubire.
She lauded the program for being contrary to the traditional model where youth look for work in a singular organization, noting the SME Founders normally speak to WEMA graduates during the immersion stage to get a feel of the real challenges they experience in the work place.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of WEMA Esther Muchiri noted that the training is designed to develop a well-rounded workforce that will meet the ever-changing demands of the workplace.
“The program’s goal is to equip young graduates with cutting edge skills needed in the 21st century workplace and link them with prospective employers for meaningful occupations,” she said.
The Director further stated that the program takes a period of 12 months, which includes two months of training and 10 months of practice, followed by one year of internship.
Muchiri revealed that WEMA imparts hands on skills directly to the graduates through their facilitators, who are professionals in practice.
By Njeri Kariuki and Mercy Nkatha
