Over 20 community members have been awarded certificates after completing a two-month ICT training in Rongai, Kajiado County. The group composed of youth and women was trained under our Digital Livelihood Project which aims at bridging the digital divide, providing new ICT skills & empowering young people to avert crime.
The project comes at a time when crime rates and substance abuse by young people in Kajiado County and especially in Rongai have been on an increase, bringing the attention of community members and Crime Si Poa (CSP) to intervene.
According to Patrick Wakaba area Sub-Chief, the skills taught under the project will help young people get opportunities hence reducing crime in the area.
“We must deter young people, especially the boys from crime through offering skills-based training. As local leaders, we are willing to work with Crime Si Poa and the community at large to help reduce vices. I urge young people graduating today to become Crime Si Poa Ambassadors,” said Wakaba.
Ward Administrator- Oganta Rongai, Samuel Muchiri, urged the youth to stay focused and utilize various skills being imparted to them to benefit their community. He further called on them to network with people who can assist them get variable opportunities.
“Every young person carries a gene of greatness: never belittle yourself. Work towards bringing out the best in you. Never give up. Opportunities will only get people who are ready just like you,” Muchiri advised.
His counterpart, Wilfred Obasa Ombogo, speaking during the awarding of certificates, called for civic education, devolution, Sacco forming, and networking with people.
“CEOs are made from such training as under the Digital Livelihood Project. One can start an NGO such as Crime Si Poa. At this stage you are in and the skills gained, you stand becoming better people,” said Ombogo.
Wendy Orengo, a software Engineer from Akira Chix and an alumnus of the Crime Si Poa, Digital Livelihood Project, emphasized on the need to expand the program to benefit a large number of youths.
“I am from Dandora Slums. CSP was my stepping stone. The training I did in the first cohort in 2019 impacted my life positively. As long as you have self-discipline you can achieve whatever you want. You are not defined by where you come from, said Wendy adding “I Volunteer to train on software design and coding and walk with you on the journey of getting a job.
Jackline Seleiyan, a Center Manager with the Ajira Digital Program, urged the youth to use digital skills to not only earn a living but also impact their community by writing blogs that will create awareness of crime-related issues.
‘Strategically position yourself in the digital sphere you will get opportunities. As we go to the election we should use the digital space to spread peace messages, especially as women since we suffer most from violence. Politics should be done peacefully. We must accept defeat when a leader of choice loses,” concluded Seleiyan.