At least 75 youth with complex disabilities in Homa Bay county can have a reason to smile after an organisation launched a vocational skills training programme for them.
The Sense International in partnership with the Sikri Training and Vocational Training College in Rachuonyo South Sub-county will train the youth who are mainly deaf and blind.
The organisation has identified the youth for the programme on technical skills such as poultry keeping, carpentry, embroidery, and plumbing among other learning areas.
The training is done both online using a digital tablet and face to face with each youth being given a tablet.
The tablets are installed with programmes with videos and still pictures showing how each of the learning areas is undertaken.
The training is done both at the college and youths’ homes.
The programme was launched at the college in a ceremony presided over by Sense International Country Director Edwin Osundwa, Homa Bay nominated MCA Edwin Kakach, Sikri Training and Vocational Training college Principal Evans Oyoo and the County Disability Service Officer Ruth Oyier.
Osundwa said the programme is aimed at enabling the youth to learn, work and earn money.
Osundwa said the programme was started after realising that there were many economic gaps which can be filled by people who are skilled in technical know-how.
He said the initiative will enable the youth to be independent in earning a living.
“There are some jobs such as carpentry, basket making, poultry rearing and others which can significantly transform the lives of our youth, but they are usually not taught in schools. We have started this programme to enable the youth with complex disabilities to be self-reliant financially,” Osundwa said.
He said Sense International will also aid the youth to market their products online.
“The tablets will also enable the youth to market their products both in Kenya and internationally,” he said, adding that it will enable youth with complex disabilities to contribute to economic growth in the area.
Kakach said the programme will enhance industrialization which is envisaged in the country’s vision 2030.
“Industrialisation is significant in economic development. This programme will enable many disabled youths to become job creators,” Kakach said.
He urged parents to shun the culture of hiding children with disabilities.
“Let parents take their children with disabilities to Vocational Training centres instead of hiding them,” Kakach said.
Oyoo said the project will cushion the youths with disabilities from rejection some of them face in the society.
“Some youths with complex disabilities suffer rejection some members of the society. This perception will change because they are going to start earning a living based on their skills,” Oyoo said.
