Base Titanium has sponsored 100 youth from 24 villages neighbouring the Kwale mine site to undergo training at various Vocational Training Colleges in Kwale.
The youth from deprived communities are set to receive vocational and entrepreneurial skills in a bid to make them employable.
The skills training is running under the Community Youth Skills Training Program rolled out by Base Titanium in 2022 to empower and motivate youths.
The training initiative by the Kwale based Australian mining firm is part of its social outreach programs aimed at reducing unemployment in the area.
The mining company located in Msambweni sub county of Kwale, simply known as ‘Base’ produces ilmenite, rutile and zircon which are all considered critical minerals.
Base Titanium General Manager for External Affairs Simon Wall says the training is the mining company’s contribution to addressing socio-economic challenges and impacting lives in the coastal county.
Mr. Wall says the sponsored 100 youth are drawn from 24 villages neighbouring the Kwale mine site in Msambweni Sub County and will undergo training at various Vocational Training Colleges in Kwale.
“This is the second cohort of the training program which we started last year to support youth to acquire skills in various disciplines including engineering, carpentry and joinery, refrigeration and air conditioning, welding, masonry, mechanics, electrical and plumbing,” he added.
Other courses offered include tailoring and dress making, catering, hair dressing and beauty among other trades.
He says 100 youth received similar training last year during the launch of the program adding that such skills are useful in the job environment.
He says the training is aimed at creating job opportunities for unemployed youth in the region through skills acquisition.
Wall said the sponsorship covers tuition fees, transport, tools and equipment and mentoring of the beneficiaries.
“The participants are getting the materials and tools to work with and supporting people with skills will help them earn a decent livelihood,” he said, adding that Base will continue to invest in youth skill development.
Wall stressed on the need for local youths to embrace vocational training and acquire skills to be independent and urged them to embrace blue-collar jobs as a sustainable alternative to the elusive white-collar jobs.
“We have been able to train a lot of youth for them to be able to support their families with this skills training,” he said.
He says the targeted youth will increase their income and savings and create job opportunities for others thereby benefiting their families and the local economy.
At the same time the mining company is supporting community groups in Kwale to start sustainable income generating ventures.
Wall says 35 community groups in Msambweni constituency have undergone training sponsored by Base Titanium.
The mining official says the intent of the training is to help women and youth develop and manage sustainable income generating ventures in the community.
He said the groups were trained on entrepreneurship skills, how to manage their businesses, leadership skills as well as saving and access to capital.
Wall says the small scale entrepreneurs were being trained in relevant aspects of business that will help them effectively run their businesses and respond to challenges in the dynamic business environment.
By Hussein Abdullahi
