IYF WELCOMES 20,000 Youths FOR SEASON 8 ORIENTATION AT THE FREE WEEKEND ACADEMY.

BY Cynthia Masibo. 

The International Youth Fellowship (IYF) has officially launched the 8th cohort of its Free Weekend Academy, welcoming nearly 20,000 young people into the transformative skills training program. The initiative, which provides free vocational training and personal development courses, follows the successful graduation of the 7th cohort, reinforcing IYF’s mission to equip youth with practical skills and a positive mindset.
Speaking at the orientation ceremony, Ms. Emily Maina, Director of Youth Social Development at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, underscored the significance of public-private partnerships in advancing youth empowerment.

"As the Ministry of Youth and Economy, our mandate is to equip young people with the skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset they need to thrive. While the government plays a central role, we cannot do it alone. That is why partnerships with organizations like IYF are essential in bridging the skills gap and expanding opportunities for Kenyan youth," said Ms. Maina.

The IYF Free Weekend Academy offers 31 skill-based courses, ranging from Plumbing, Beauty & Hairdressing, Catering, and Camera Operations to Computer Packages, Fashion & Design, Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence, and Carpentry & Design, among others. The program primarily targets Form 4 graduates and disadvantaged youth who lack financial means for higher education, equipping them with marketable skills to improve their livelihoods.

Since its inception in 2007, the IYF Free Weekend Academy has trained and certified over 60,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to start businesses, secure formal employment, and contribute to their communities. The academy runs on a three-month weekend-based model, allowing learners to acquire hands-on skills while managing other responsibilities such as work or family obligations.

Beyond vocational training, IYF integrates mindset education and character development into its curriculum. Through workshops, mentorship, and leadership training, students develop essential soft skills such as confidence, discipline, and teamwork. This holistic approach aims to not only prepare young people for the job market but also nurture responsible and innovative leaders.

Top-performing students in the academy also receive scholarships for further education through Mahanaim College, a sister institution working in collaboration with IYF. These scholarships enable students to advance their knowledge and qualifications, opening up greater career opportunities.

With youth unemployment remaining a pressing challenge in Kenya, initiatives like the IYF Free Weekend Academy play a crucial role in equipping young people with the skills needed to navigate an evolving job market. By providing free and accessible training, IYF is empowering a generation to take charge of their futures through skill acquisition and entrepreneurial ventures.

The success of previous cohorts has inspired growing interest in the program, with enrollment numbers increasing significantly over the years. As the 8th cohort embarks on their journey, IYF remains committed to fostering an environment where young people can learn, grow, and ultimately transform their lives through education and practical skills development.

Popular posts from this blog

KICHAKA PATROL DRIVES CHANGE IN NORTHERN KENYA WITH LIFE-SAVING OUTREACH IN REMOTE REGIONS.

Image
BY NJOKI KARANJA  Laikipia & Samburu Counties, Kenya – July 9, 2025 – Kichaka Patrol, an East Africa-based Community-Based Organization (CBO) known for blending adventure with humanitarian action, has once again demonstrated its impact through a multi-sectoral outreach across remote parts of Laikipia and Samburu Counties. ( From L to R) Ayyub Karinjah, Hon Treasurer Kichaka Patrol , Alex Kibe Secretary General Kichaka Patrol and Anthony Wahome Chairman Kichaka Patrol. Between June 26 and 28, 2025, the group—comprised of over 400 off-road Nissan Patrol enthusiasts—joined forces with the Kenya Nurses in Diaspora, Operation Blessing, the County Government of Laikipia, the Automobile Association of Kenya (AA Kenya), the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and Ridgeways Baptist Church to deliver crucial services to marginalized communities in Rumuruti, Suguta Marmar, Tuum, Baragoi, Logorate, and Naibor. Mobile Medical Camps Bring Healing to the Forgotten The ...
Read more

GENERAL PETROLEUM GMBH FACES CRIMINAL Charges OVER FAKE GM CERTIFICATION AND SUBSTANDARD OIL PRODUCTS.

Image
BY NJOKI KARANJA. June 13, 2025  General Petroleum GMBH is under intense legal scrutiny after being accused of fraudulently misrepresenting itself as a Dexos-approved supplier of motor oil — a certification standard owned by General Motors (GM) . The scandal has triggered criminal charges, a growing class action lawsuit, and a major reputational blow to the company. Investigations reveal that the company falsely claimed its products were certified by GM , using that claim to market and sell inferior oil products to unsuspecting consumers. The deception, now exposed through rigorous testing by the American Petroleum Quality Institute (PQI) , has drawn swift condemnation and prompted legal action from affected parties. Despite its branding as a German-based firm , there is no financial or operational evidence proving General Petroleum GMBH’s presence or legitimacy in Germany. The company is now being accused of leveraging a fake European identity to lend credibilit...
Read more

KENYAN INNOVATOR UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY TO REMOVE HEAVY METALS FROM WASTEWATER.

Image
BY BERNARD MULWA.   A breakthrough technology designed to remove heavy metals and foul odors from wastewater has been unveiled at the 2024 Kenya Innovation Week, marking a significant step towards cleaner and safer water sources. Developed by Dr. Paul Tanui, a senior lecturer at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology and founder of Ongataki Solutions Limited, the technology is set to revolutionize water purification processes in industries such as chemical manufacturing and tanning.  Dr. Paul Tanui, CEO and founder- Ongataki Solutions Ltd. Heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium are known to be toxic at even low concentrations, often contaminating water through industrial activities, mining, and outdated infrastructure. These metals pose serious health risks, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and nervous system failure. Dr. Tanui’s innovation offers a solution to safely separate these harmful substances from wastewater, ensurin...
Read more