More than 1,800 youth have received startup capital and kits worth Ksh60 million in a business incubation programme targeting orphaned and vulnerable youth initiated by Zoe Empowers Global South, a non-governmental organization (NGO) operating in Meru and Tharaka Nithi.
Speaking during the issuance of cheques and start up kits to beneficiaries, the NGO Executive Officer Reagan Kaberia said the organization has supported more than 56,000 vulnerable youth since 2007.
“Our programme seeks to empower the youth from vulnerable families with skills rather than place them in orphanages. Some have started small businesses with as little as Ksh1,000 enabling them to support their families,” said Kaberia.
He said the initiative is meant to end the poverty cycle among orphans, child-headed and vulnerable families through business and vocational skills training.
“We mentor them for three years before they are let to operate on their own. The money they receive is repaid back in a revolving fund,” he added.
Kaberia noted that many orphans and children from failed families end up dropping out of school to fend for themselves and called on the county government to support their empowerment to enhance access to education and reduce poverty levels.
Under the initiative, beneficiaries receive skills such as beauty therapy, plumbing, masonry among others and receive capital and startup kits to venture into business.
The Officer noted that besides skills and business apprenticeship, the youth also form support groups through which health and social issues are addressed.
“We have been able to address issues of sexual and Gender Based Violence (GBV), HIV/Aids and teenage pregnancies that affect the vulnerable families. They also learn about food security,” he said.
By John Majau
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