A Press Release dated July 10, 2023 from the Head Office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kenya states, “As the United Nations makes preparations for World Youth Skills Day on July 15, three out of four young people aged 15 to 24 in 92 countries do not have the skills needed for employment, according to a 2022 report by the Education Commission and UNICEF.”
The statement cites some local statistics by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Quarterly Labour Force Report covering October-December 2022, which show that 3.5 million, or a fifth of the 18 million youths between 15-34 years were not in employment, education or training.
The release mentions, “A lesser-known but practical online resource, jw.org, offers youths actionable advice for building marketable skills, seeking employment, and planning their future.”
Sampling tips offered by the website to young people preparing for work, it gives these examples: School—A Job-Training Ground; Where to Find Jobs; Persistence Pays Off; Keeping Your Job; Get Along with Co-workers; Punctuality Is Important; The Value of Honesty, among others.
The spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kenya, Noah Munyao, is quoted, “Our website, jw.org, is an invaluable resource for families, with practical Bible-based advice for young people seeking guidance when it comes to setting goals, creating balance in their lives, and cultivating good qualities like patience, responsibility, and developing a strong work ethic.”
Youths in low-income countries are least likely to gain access to skills needed for employment and decent work, the report states. Furthermore, there are concerns in the statement that, “Youths are facing a skills crisis, partly due to young people being out of school and challenges associated with attaining secondary school skills.”
Narrowing to specific articles that could prove invaluable, ‘“How Can I Get (and Keep!) a Job?,” offers realistic guidance for young people and is one of many resources for youths found at jw.org.”’
A report by Global Employment Trends for Youth 2022: Investing in transforming futures for young people is alluded to, stating that the number of unemployed youths around the world was expected to reach 73 million. “The COVID-19 pandemic and other labour market challenges are contributing to the rise in unemployment,” the report noted.
Laura Nyakio, a youth who works in a sales and marketing department of one manufacturing company recalls the difficulties she used to have. “I wasn’t good at starting conversations,” she says. “The skills I have acquired through a number of videos on the jw.org website help me at work in starting conversations leading either to a spiritual discussion or to the sale of a product.”
Text, audio and video content in over 1,075 languages—including 100 sign languages and 50 Braille has propelled jw.org to become the world’s most translated website. “People from all backgrounds, cultures and faiths can find practical advice for modern living based on timeless principles found in the Bible,” the release states.
“With all that is happening in the world, it is vital that young people around the world take advantage of as many resources as possible to help them prepare for the future,” concludes Munyao.
By William Inganga
