Optiven Foundation launches TVET sponsorship program for needy students
Optiven Foundation chairman George Wachiuri speaking to students, teachers parents and beneficiaries of the Scholarship at Labbura Secondary Schoo, Kieni, Nyeri County yesterday .
By: Our Reporter
Worth Noting:
- “Kenya is a very youthful country. Data shows that 80% of Kenya’s population is below 35 years. We however have 97 % of youth who aren’t employed and skilled and by impacting them in TVET institution will transform their lives and make them more responsible, ‘he said.
- He noted that the empowerment program will go hand in hand with other projects that the company operates to elevate and empower society.
- The initiative came at a time analysis by the Higher Education Loans Board shows that employability is at 96 percent for people with technical and vocational education and training, compared to 40 percent for those with university degrees.
The Soaring Eagles Scholarship Program (SESP) by Optiven Foundation has opened opportunities to support more needy students joining Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions.
The program launched yesterday at Labbura Secondary School, Kieni constituency in Nyeri County.
Speaking during the colourful ceremony, the foundation chairman Mr George Wachiuri said that the development of the TVET Sponsorship Program aims at increasing youth employability and inspiring possibilities in society.
Mr Wachiuri noted that his Foundation has numerously supported initiatives to advance education for needy students, preserve the environment, improve lives and livelihoods for senior citizens, provision of food in marginalized counties, and promote health.
He said that the TVET program will be rolled out to all 47 Counties across the Country.
“Kenya is a very youthful country. Data shows that 80% of Kenya’s population is below 35 years. We however have 97 % of youth who aren’t employed and skilled and by impacting them in TVET institution will transform their lives and make them more responsible, ‘he said.
He noted that the empowerment program will go hand in hand with other projects that the company operates to elevate and empower society.
The initiative came at a time analysis by the Higher Education Loans Board shows that employability is at 96 percent for people with technical and vocational education and training, compared to 40 percent for those with university degrees.
Mr Wachiuri said that the TVET institutions that will be selected to offer the skills will be expected to offer the best practice in skills training, effectively addressing emerging skill gaps, aligning training with industry needs, and engaging industry, government, and corporate for a holistic skills ecosystem.
“We will ensure that we have put in place a sustainable infrastructure for youth training, improve instructor training capacities, access to training opportunities in employable areas, institutional capacities and finally increase transition to employment. We aim to support quality participation in TVET,” he said.
He said that they intend to mentor the students they sponsor, monitor their performance, and embrace them in their systems, thus reducing unemployment in the nation.
He said that Optiven Foundation will not spare any resources as long as they will empower and transform the Society.
The Foundation has sponsored more than 50 students through primary and secondary education. The organisation is also involved in making multiple visits to various Children’s homes, built homes for the elderly, and donated wheelchairs to the needy.
About a month ago, the Foundation rescued Aaron Wambua had an unsuccessful surgery after he was involved in an accident. He was provided with a brand new wheelchair to enhance his movement.
The foundation works through donations and volunteer work.
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