News
On a bright Saturday morning in late February 2026, Mwiki Community Centre was transformed into a graduation arena. Family members, community elders, local government representatives, and One Vision CBO staff gathered to celebrate 120 young people who had successfully completed our inaugural Youth Digital Skills & Vocational Training Programme — representing Cohort 1 of what promises to be a transformative, long-running initiative.
The graduation ceremony was more than a formality. It was a public declaration that young people in Mwiki are capable, ambitious, and ready to compete in the modern economy — given the right support.
Six Months of Hard Work
Participants in Cohort 1 spent six months attending training sessions five days a week at our community learning centre. The curriculum covered computer literacy, graphic design, digital marketing, mobile phone repair, tailoring, and business financial literacy. Training was conducted by a mix of professional trainers, tech entrepreneurs, and community volunteers who gave their time freely to invest in Mwiki's youth.
The programme was not without its challenges — some trainees struggled with unreliable internet connectivity for online modules, while others faced pressure to drop out and seek immediate income. One Vision CBO responded by introducing a small stipend for the most vulnerable participants and negotiating flexible session times to accommodate those with part-time jobs.
Remarkable Employment Outcomes
The headline figure that drew the loudest applause at graduation was this: within just three weeks of completing the programme, 78 of the 120 graduates — 65% — were already generating income. Of these:
- 34 had secured formal or semi-formal employment with local businesses, NGOs, and digital agencies in Nairobi
- 28 had launched their own micro-enterprises, including graphic design studios, phone repair kiosks, and tailoring shops
- 16 were earning freelance income remotely through platforms including Upwork, Fiverr, and local WhatsApp business networks
Voices from the Graduates
Among those celebrated was Kevin O., 24, who arrived at the programme with no digital skills and left with a graphic design portfolio that has already earned him three paying clients. "Before this programme, I had given up. I thought there was nothing for me in Mwiki. Now I have a laptop, skills, and income — and I didn't have to leave my community to get it," he said, to cheers from the crowd.
Cohort 2 Now Underway — Applications Open for Cohort 3
Cohort 2, with 130 enrolled participants, began in March 2026 and is currently midway through the curriculum. Applications for Cohort 3, scheduled to begin in September 2026, are open. Any young person aged 18–35 residing in Mwiki Sub-Location is eligible to apply. Partial and full scholarships are available for those who demonstrate financial need.