Creating a generation which shapes its own future
‘Theoretical knowledge is interesting, but if young people are to turn their dreams into something, what they really need is practical knowledge. And perhaps the most important thing they need is coaching in conduct and personal development. These are typically not subjects you can take at universities and colleges of higher education in Kenya.’ These are the words of Lydia (34), a trainer with Vijana Reloaded.
When I walk into the Vijana Reloaded ‘hub’ in Kakamega one Tuesday morning, several trainees are hard at work behind their laptops. A table in the corner has coffee, tea, bananas and a cake baked by Chammy, one of the trainees. The atmosphere is relaxed. People discuss things together quietly here and there. The walls are covered with colourful post-its. ‘Unemployment in western Kenya is incredibly high,’ says Lydia. ‘Young people just hang around, there are no prospects of improvement at all for them. Consequently they have little tolerance and are more susceptible to criminal behaviour. In the worst situation, this may even induce them to join Al-Shabaab.’
Always a plan B
Vijana Reloaded focuses on young people who have the potential to go far. The six-month traineeship supplements regular studies. The aim is to train young people to become enterprising, solution-oriented thinkers in a short time, who can create their own job in the absence of other work. The program is based on the three cornerstones of IT, social skills and entrepreneurship. ‘We teach them how to put themselves in the position of a potential customer and consider the various situations which can arise,’ Lydia continues. ‘You always need a plan B and you don’t let the first setback put you off.’ Chammy (22 years old) is one of the trainees. ‘Many young people want to start a business but think they need a huge amount of money to do that. I really believe we have to learn how to think more out of the box. You can also start very small and work from there. Just get started, that’s what I think.’
Trainee Chammy and trainer Lydia in the Vijana Reloaded ‘hub’
Constructive criticism
The students meet once a week for ‘class’. The rest of the week they work on assignments. They can come to the ‘hub’ any time of day. ‘Recently, during a boot camp, all the students had to pitch their ideas to the rest of the group,’ explains Lydia. ‘Each pitch was discussed in the group. Students complimented each other but also expressed constructive criticism: “Articulate better when you are giving a presentation,” or “Focus your business on fish and maybe vegetables, but don’t take on too many other things.”’
‘I don’t really care all that much about the piece of paper I receive at the end of the six months, what is most important to me is that I will soon be able to say that I have really grown personally and as an entrepreneur and that I was able to extend my network,’ says Chammy.
Working on self-confidence
Personal development is at least equally important as entrepreneurship and IT. Lydia: ‘We get our students to think about their inner motives: what do they really want from life? What makes them happy and what are they good at? Enthusiasm is kindled and goals are identified. This is a very personal affair for each person. Every student is different, and we want to give each of them the individual attention they need. We want to create a generation which is capable of shaping its own future. People who have self-knowledge and self-confidence have a much greater chance of succeeding in life.’
Besides empowerment, we also work on behaviour. Lydia: ‘What you often see with young people is that they have no idea of how to present themselves to an employer or company. They don’t know how to dress. They react too late or not at all to telephone calls, and before you know it, they’ve lost their chance. Vijana Reloaded teaches the young people how to be more competitive and to realise that they need to do their utmost to get that job. They’re not the only ones, so they have to make sure they stand out.’
Join forces, then you achieve more
Trainee Renin (27) has plans for setting up a chicken farm. ‘I want to start in Kakamega and then expand to other regions. Food is usually imported in this area. And yet the land is really quite fertile. You would expect that it should be possible to produce many more products here in the area. You depend less on others and it also creates jobs. I think people have to join forces more; that also makes it easier to get a business financed. I’ve already been to all the banks to explain my plans for the farm. I want to start the business together with three other boys and I have every hope that we will get a loan.’
In conversation with Renin
Oprah Winfrey as a source of inspiration
The enormous drive of the two trainees is striking, as is their desire to encourage other young people to make something of their lives. ‘My childhood was not all that nice,’ says Chammy. ‘But that negative period also made me stronger. I really admire someone like Oprah Winfrey. Life didn’t start off as a bed of roses for her either. But she has managed to achieve so much. And her commitment is very inspiring for me. I believe that a well-educated woman who stands up for her rights can make a real difference.’ Renin: ‘I would like to give my children a better future. I need training to be able to succeed as an entrepreneur. I’ll get there, with a good mentor at my side.’
Would you like to know more? Read more on the Vijana Reloaded page.
