State pledges technical, financial support for TVETs

Director of Education Martha Odundo (right) awards a certificate to a student at Seed of Hope Training Centre. [Samson Wire. Standard]

The government will provide technical and financial support to training institutions in areas of tertiary and technical skills in a bid to enhance the quality of graduates.

Director of Education, Ministry of Education Martha Odundo said the government continues to invest in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to benefit many learners.

"Our vision as a government is to make good use of the TVET to churn out relevant skills for the job market," said Odundo.

She made the remarks at Seed of Hope Training Centre in Nairobi where 300 graduates were awarded with certificates in technical skills.

Odundo said with more funding of tertiary education, the transition rate from secondary to higher learning will be achieved.

"As you realise from last year's Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education results, the majority of learners will go into these pathways of technical and vocational training," she said and challenged the learners to enhance their skills since technology keeps on evolving.

Seed of Hope Training Centre project coordinator, Florence Olwenge, urged graduates to use their skills to acquire jobs as well as create employment for others.

"As you step into the world beyond this fence, carry with you the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the unwavering belief in your ability to make a difference to your lives and the society," said Olweny.

She told the graduates that they were living proof and testimony that when nurtured, one can indeed grow into something extraordinary.

"We are here to give young people whole dignity, opportunity and hope. We give them skills for employability as well as for their own to create employment for themselves as well as others," she said.

Olwenge revealed that the centre runs free training for vocational courses to equip youths with relevant skills.

"Lack of skills has led to many jobless youths in the country. We have come in to bridge that gap and give them free vocational skills coupled with mental health and reproductive health," she said.

During the graduation ceremony, the institution unveiled a building that has modern learning tools.

Seed of Hope Training Centre offers certificate courses in technical and vocational courses; fashion and fabric design, hair and beauty therapy, catering and hospitality.

Others are technical courses in carpentry and Joinery, motor vehicle mechanics, electrical wiring and installation entrepreneurship and financial management as well as computer training.