IYF and Turkana County Launch Youth Empowerment Program to Equip Marginalized Groups with Practical Skills
IYF, Turkana County Unveil Transformative Youth Programme
Turkana, Kenya – February 11, 2025 – The Turkana County Department of Gender and Youth Affairs has partnered with the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) to launch a transformative initiative aimed at empowering the local youth with practical, work-ready skills. This three-month weekend training program is designed to address the needs of marginalized groups, including women, street youth, families, and formerly incarcerated individuals, providing them with valuable training in various fields such as hospitality, hairdressing, beauty therapy, and computer literacy.
Elim Joseph Epuu, the Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs, highlighted the program’s sustainability and long-term impact. He stressed that graduates of the program will be encouraged to mentor their peers and establish community-based enterprises, ensuring a ripple effect of economic empowerment across the region. “By combining hands-on training with mentorship, the initiative not only enhances technical expertise but also fosters resilience and self-reliance among participants,” Epuu noted.
The program also reflects Turkana’s commitment to addressing systemic barriers to education and employment. By focusing on marginalized communities, the initiative aims to create opportunities for individuals who have traditionally been excluded from formal job markets.
Margate Paspas, a representative from IYF, emphasized the inclusivity of the program, which extends opportunities to college students in Lodwar, street youth, and even families. Future plans also include expanding the program to Kakuma to provide support to the refugee community. “Our goal is to ensure no one is left behind,” Paspas said.
Deputy Director of Youth Affairs, Ekidor Linus Namoe, noted the county’s recent efforts to establish vocational training partnerships aimed at reducing high school dropout rates and improving the local infrastructure for skills development.
One of the beneficiaries of this initiative is Urban Akuuri, a youth-led enterprise founded by Purity Natabo and Magdaline Kotol. Specializing in event organizing and outdoor catering, the enterprise aims to grow its services by gaining enhanced technical and business management skills through the training program.
The collaboration between IYF and Turkana County marks a significant step toward addressing youth unemployment and creating sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities. As the program unfolds, it is expected to have a lasting impact on both individual participants and the broader community, driving economic growth and fostering a culture of mentorship and empowerment.