Vihiga County government has opened talks with Pratham International, a leading Indian non-profit organisation, in a move aimed at strengthening vocational training and tackling youth unemployment.
The discussion was led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Dr. Ruth Agesa, who hosted officials from Pratham at the county headquarters this week. The engagement is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of technical and vocational education across the country’s Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).
According to Dr. Agesa, the proposed partnership will focus on building the capacity of vocational instructors, rolling out training of trainers (ToT) programs, and developing industry-aligned employment pathways for young people.
“This is a strategic step toward transforming our vocational training institutions,” said Dr. Agesa. “Through this collaboration, we hope to equip our trainers with modern methodologies and expose our learners to real-world skills that match job market demands.”
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Pratham International is known globally for its scalable, community-based models in education and skills development. Its programs have reached millions in India and other developing regions, focusing on foundational learning, employability, and digital literacy.
If formalized, the partnership would mark Vihiga’s first international collaboration in the vocational education sector. Officials say it could bring global expertise into local institutions, boost trainer effectiveness, and improve job prospects for graduates.
Initial discussions covered curriculum development, use of digital tools, and linking training with industry needs through apprenticeships. County officials said follow-up meetings and feasibility assessments will take place over the coming months, with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) expected before the end of the year.
The initiative comes as Vihiga County intensifies efforts to address rising youth unemployment through skills-based training and international partnerships. Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as timely.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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