It was pomp and color as The International Youth Fellowship (IYF) welcomed nearly 20,000 young people to a transformative skills training program at the IYF Headquarters in Nairobi.
This is the 8th cohort of the IYF Free Weekend Academy. The programe comes just a week after the successful graduation of Cohort 7, reaffirming IYF’s commitment to empowering youth through practical education and mindset transformation.
This 8th program will also launch three new courses: Driving, English lessons, and Artificial intelligence (AI).
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James Mwangi, one of the students who was part of the orientation on Saturday noted that the program would significantly give me a lifeline in his life.
‘’To be honest, I had a dream of pursuing Graphics and Design. However, due to financial challenges, I couldn’t proceed with my studies after my Form Four education. For me, this will be a game changer in my life’’ said Mwangi.
Speaking at the orientation ceremony, Ms. Emily Maina, Director of Youth Social Development at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, acknowledged the role of public-private partnerships in driving 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.
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The IYF Free Weekend Academy offers 31 skill-based courses, including Plumbing, Beauty & Hairdressing, Catering, Camera Operations, Computer Packages, Fashion& Design, Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence, Carpentry & Design, and more.
These programs cater to young people, particularly Form 4 graduates and disadvantaged youth, who face financial barriers to further education.
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 establish businesses, secure employment, and contribute to their communities.
The academy operates on a three-month weekend-based model, allowing students to gain practical skills while balancing other responsibilities.
Beyond skill training, IYF integrates mindset education and character development, fostering confidence, discipline, and leadership in young people
The top-performing students also receive scholarships to further their education in partnership with Mahanaim College, a sister organization. With Kenya’s youth unemployment crisis requiring urgent solutions, IYF continues to provide innovative, accessible, and impactful training programs that prepare young people for the evolving job market.
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