An estimated 90,679 young women in Nairobi have benefited from sports-based life skills training programme mounted by the Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, in partnership with a youth empowerment initiative called Vijana Amani Pamoja (VAP).
The programme targeting to prepare and empower young women for business and future leadership roles combined sports and financial literacy to equip the girls for high flying careers.
In a ceremony marking the successful completion of the initiative called GOAL Programme for the Future-makers by Standard Chartered, the head of Corporate Affairs, Joyce Kibe, underscored the programme’s lasting impact on the lives of the young women going into the future.
The global initiative was launched as part of the bank’s global effort to promote economic inclusion, boosting confidence, employability and entrepreneurship among participants, she noted.
She affirmed that the initiative reflects the firm’s commitment to empowering young women and driving financial inclusion.
Kibe confirmed, “In partnership with Women Win and Vijana Amani Pamoja initiative, we’ve equipped thousands with financial education, employability training, and entrepreneurship support.”
She continued, “As we close this chapter, our broader Future-makers initiatives will continue creating opportunities for young women to drive positive change in their lives and communities.”
Kibe noted that the programme, which started with only three students, has had enormous growth since its launch and called on other corporate bodies and the government to keep supporting other needy children with similar empowerment programmes.
“Bringing all these components together has been a bit challenging because it also requires a lot of resources. But we really want to appreciate Standard Chartered Bank for coming in to support this particular initiative,” remarked Kibe.
In attendance, Virginia Munyua, Programme Lead at Women Win, who highlighted the role of sports in youth empowerment adding that there is need to harness the power of sports in education and creating opportunities for young women.
Others who graced the colourful occasion included, Enouce Ndeche, the CEO of Vijana Amani Pamoja (VAP) and Regina Mukiri, also from VAP among others.
The Goal Programme is estimated to have a reach of over one million young women in 23 countries globally, sponsored by Standard banking group, with a presence in over 50 countries globally.
By Gabriel Mwangi and Allan Wandera
