The ICT Hub in Ndumberi, Kiambu County, continues to make significant strides in youth empowerment, building on its successful implementation of the Ajira Digital program.
With new support from the International Youth Fellowship (IYF), the hub has broadened its scope to include a range of holistic activities aimed at equipping young people with essential skills while addressing pressing social challenges like drug addiction.
The Ajira Digital initiative, which focuses on digital skills training to create online job opportunities, has been a cornerstone of the hub’s operations.
Now, leveraging the partnership with IYF, a global organization dedicated to youth development, the hub is offering expanded programs dubbed ‘weekend academy’ offering training on hands-on skills such as plumbing, welding, electricals, driving, graphics and AI. These initiatives are designed to foster personal growth, build resilience, and provide constructive alternatives for at-risk youth.
Mr. Samwel Wainaina the ICT officer in charge of the hub has lauded the input by the area MP on facilitating provision of more activities such as counselling, ICT stage one, sports and mentorship programs calling it a game changer that keeps the youth of Kiambu constituency busy while acquiring vital skills useful in their next phases of studies and life at large.
He said “we are targeting primarily fresh high school graduates and continuing students from polytechnics and universities; the programs seek to bridge the gap between education and employment while promoting healthy lifestyles. Participants engage in hands-on training that not only enhances their technical abilities but also encourages teamwork, leadership, and emotional well-being through sports and counseling.”
Mr. Aloysius Njoroge, the constituency manager, emphasized the broader societal impact of these efforts. “Our goal is to curb drug addiction among the youth by providing meaningful engagement and opportunities,” he said. “By channeling their energy into productive activities like IT skills, internships, and seminars, we’re helping them build a brighter future and steer clear of destructive paths.”
Amanda Wanjiku a beneficiary of the programme and a member of a dance crew, has praised the programs going as so impactful and life changing, she has attributed her ability to edit her content as a dance crew member and being able operate a variety of tech related tasks to the programs.
She added “the large number of students in this hub come from different backgrounds and the counselling and mentorship sessions has been able to address a lot of challenges experienced by the students.”
This expansion underscores the role of public-private partnerships in tackling youth-related challenges in Kiambu County, aligning with national efforts to promote digital inclusion and social welfare.
By Felix Kipkorir
