Empowering the Vulnerable Youth with Employability Skills through Non-formal Training Programs in Kenya

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education talks about increasing access and equitable education that promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all. This encompasses embedding foundational, technical and employability skills sustainable education and training. Inclusivity in education and training embraces the marginalized and vulnerable youth in education and training programs. The study intended to enhance some selected employability skills; communication, team building, and problem solving and time management, self-confidence and self-expression through non formal training programs. This paper presents findings of a study conducted among the vulnerable out of school youth to determine their level of employability skills and enhance the acquisition of the skills using interactive training methods. Quasi experimental design was employed and a purposively selected sample size of 60 youth drawn from four sub counties in Nakuru County was used. A structured questionnaire and an observation checklist were used to collect data before and after the training. The training was conducted for a period of one month using selected participatory/interactive training methods to enhance employability skills. Data was analyzed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed improved acquisition of some facets of employability skills in communication, team building, and problem solving and time management. There was no observable improvement of self-confidence and self-expression. It was concluded that acquisition of employability skills does not only depend on the training methods and the environment, but other factors such as the trainee's personality and experience from prior learning may also have an impact. Hence trainers should consider the trainees diversity when developing and planning for skills training programs.