Principal Secretary in the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Susan Mang’eni, speaks during a past function. Photo/@SusanAMangeni/X
By Sammy Kimatu
The State Department for Youth Affairs, Skills Development and Sports has successfully conducted a graduation ceremony for 180 trainees under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme at the Buru Buru Community Centre in Harambee Ward, Makadara Sub-County, Nairobi City County.
The colourful event marked the successful completion of a 20-day Socio-Emotional Skills Development (S-ESD) training programme aimed at equipping vulnerable, unemployed and underemployed youth with practical life and workplace skills necessary for personal growth, employability and economic empowerment.
The graduation ceremony brought together government officials, youth officers, trainers, community stakeholders, parents and beneficiaries in a celebration of achievement, resilience and hope for a brighter future among the youth.
Speaking at the event as the chief guest, Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Philip Koima commended the beneficiaries for their discipline, determination and dedication throughout the training period.
He noted that youth empowerment programmes remain critical in addressing the social and economic challenges facing many young people across the country.
Koima emphasised that empowering youth with socio-emotional and employability skills plays a vital role in nurturing responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to national development.
He urged the graduates to remain focused and disciplined as they transition into the next phase of apprenticeship training under the programme.
“The government remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower young people economically and socially. Programmes such as NYOTA are not only transforming livelihoods but also restoring hope among the youth,” Koima remarked.
He further encouraged the graduates to make proper use of the opportunities offered through the NYOTA Programme to improve their livelihoods, build sustainable careers and become self-reliant members of society.
Youth urged to apply skills
The ceremony was also attended by Sub-County Youth Officer Josephine Ogonda, who was accompanied by officers from the Ministry headquarters.
Ogonda applauded the trainees for successfully completing the intensive 20-day programme and challenged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training in both their daily lives and future workplaces.
She observed that socio-emotional skills are increasingly becoming essential in today’s labour market.
Read more: Gov’t launches Nyota Project Phase II in 27 counties
“The workplace environment is changing rapidly, and employers are looking for individuals who can communicate effectively, work with others, solve problems and adapt to changing situations. These are the skills that this programme seeks to nurture,” she stated.
The NYOTA S-ESD Programme is specifically designed to equip vulnerable, unemployed and underemployed youth with critical life and workplace competencies, preparing them to take advantage of employment, apprenticeship and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The graduation marked an important milestone for the 180 beneficiaries as they prepare to move to the next phase of the programme and put their newly acquired skills into practice.
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