Dr. John Mugo, an advocate for innovative education, and Beria Wawira, focused on enhancing youth outcomes in Kenya, delve into the urgent need for holistic youth development. They discuss bridging educational gaps, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by young people with disabilities. The conversation touches on the importance of digital literacy and adapting educational approaches to prepare youth for a rapidly evolving job market. Their work with the Zizi Afrique Foundation seeks to empower and transform the lives of underprivileged youth across Africa.
Equipping young people with both soft and technical skills is essential for navigating the complexities of today's job market.
Mentorship programs play a crucial role in supporting marginalized youth by fostering resilience and providing tailored resources for personal growth.
Deep dives
Addressing the Skills Gap
There is a pressing need to equip young people with the skills necessary for navigating a rapidly changing job market. Many youths in Kenya and Africa face significant challenges, including economic uncertainties and educational gaps, which hinder their ability to secure fulfilling employment. Initiatives like the Ujana 360 program aim to better align training curricula with the skills demanded by employers, enabling young individuals to retain jobs and thrive in their careers. Such programs emphasize the importance of soft skills, alongside technical training, to prepare youths effectively for the complexities of modern workplaces.
Empowering Youth Through Mentorship
Mentorship plays a critical role in the holistic development of young people, helping them build resilience and unlock their potential. For instance, the Tenda Wema program targets marginalized youths by pairing them with mentors who guide them through their education and personal growth. By fostering a supportive community and providing access to resources, such mentorship programs can transform the lives of individuals who may have previously felt constrained by their socio-economic backgrounds. The success of past participants, including young mothers and individuals with disabilities, highlights the importance of tailored support in promoting equity and opportunity.
Bridging the Digital Divide
The digital divide in Kenya exacerbates existing inequalities, limiting access to information and opportunities for many youth. Despite advancements in technology, a significant portion of the population relies on word-of-mouth communication for accessing job opportunities, underscoring the need for more inclusive digital initiatives. Collaborations with telecom companies, such as providing free data to underserved populations, can help bridge this gap and facilitate greater access to digital resources. Training teachers on technology use is also crucial, as it enables the delivery of online classes and better prepares students for a digital future.
Collaborative Approaches for Sustainable Change
Creating lasting change in education and employment for young people will require collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and local organizations. Policies must evolve to address the needs of youth, particularly in light of rapid technological advancements and shifting job landscapes. Moreover, creating adaptable educational frameworks that encourage lifelong learning and recognition of diverse pathways to success is essential. By empowering youth to take charge of their own futures and actively involving them in discussions about their education, society can cultivate a generation that is well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Meet Dr John Mugo and Beria Wawira – two colleagues on a mission to empower millions of young people and parents through the Zizi Afrique Foundation in Kenya. In conversation with host Christine Wilson, they ask: are we preparing young people for success in today’s fast-paced world?
John and Beria champion innovative approaches to education that go beyond simply providing young people with academic or technical knowledge. In this episode, they touch on topics such as the digital divide in education, support for young people with disabilities, and why holistic youth development matters.
Tune in to find out how John and Beria’s experience in East Africa compares with what young people around the world are telling the British Council through the Next Generation research programme.
Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.
What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?
If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing researchglobal@britishcouncil.org by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode