Post: Clergy Calls for Government Collaboration to Boost Youth Vocational Training

Laikipia County: The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) is advocating for a robust partnership with the government to enhance vocational training, aiming to tackle youth unemployment and societal challenges. Newly consecrated Bishop of Mt. Kenya West Diocese, Gerald Muriithi, emphasized the need for collaboration to address issues such as rising crime and substance abuse, which threaten the prospects of future generations.According to Kenya News Agency, Bishop Muriithi, speaking at a graduation ceremony at Ethi Polytechnic in Laikipia County, highlighted the underutilization of the church's vocational centers due to inadequate support from county governments in providing bursaries for needy students. He urged the government and benefactors to sponsor technical education for youth, which he believes will mitigate negative behaviors like alcohol consumption.Ethi Polytechnic, established by ACK in 1985, has served the Maasai pastoral community by offering vocational training to deter young people from engaging i n social vices such as cattle rustling and child marriage. Over 15,000 youths have graduated from the institution, with many receiving sponsorship for tuition and boarding from the church and other supporters. However, recent years have seen a decline in sponsorship, resulting in less than 60 percent enrollment, despite the institution's support program for teenage mothers.Turing Trust Country Director, Koome Kiragu, the chief guest at the ceremony, reiterated his organization's commitment to supporting a computer literacy program for trainees. The organization recently equipped a computer classroom at Ethi Polytechnic and sponsored students in various artisan courses. Kiragu encouraged parents to enroll their children in vocational institutions to help them acquire essential skills for the future.During the event, over 50 students graduated in fields such as fashion design, hairdressing and beauty therapy, catering and accommodation, building and construction, as well as electrical and motor vehicle mech anics. Ann Maina, a graduate in hairdressing and beauty therapy, shared that her training enabled her to start a salon, providing her with an income even before completing her course.