{"id":11498,"date":"2023-10-19T07:03:18","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T05:03:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/?p=11498"},"modified":"2023-10-20T14:49:07","modified_gmt":"2023-10-20T12:49:07","slug":"transforming-youth-employment-in-western-kenya-the-vijana-na-kilimo-project-begins-phase-two","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/transforming-youth-employment-in-western-kenya-the-vijana-na-kilimo-project-begins-phase-two","title":{"rendered":"Transforming Youth Employment in Western Kenya: The Vijana na Kilimo Project Begins Phase Two"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In the heart of Western Kenya, a ray of hope emerges for the region&#8217;s young job seekers. The GIZ Agri-Jobs 4 Youth initiative, generously funded by the German government, supports the Vijana na Kilimo II project. Implemented by BrighterMonday Kenya, this initiative is reshaping youth employment in the agri-food sector, building upon phase one success. It promises a brighter future for the youth in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f455e5bd4c4\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f455e5bd4c4\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/transforming-youth-employment-in-western-kenya-the-vijana-na-kilimo-project-begins-phase-two\/#Empowering_Youth_Through_Collaboration\" >Empowering Youth Through Collaboration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/transforming-youth-employment-in-western-kenya-the-vijana-na-kilimo-project-begins-phase-two\/#Phase_One_Success\" >Phase One Success<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/transforming-youth-employment-in-western-kenya-the-vijana-na-kilimo-project-begins-phase-two\/#Fostering_Gender_Diversity\" >Fostering Gender Diversity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/transforming-youth-employment-in-western-kenya-the-vijana-na-kilimo-project-begins-phase-two\/#Building_Skills_and_Opportunities\" >Building Skills and Opportunities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/transforming-youth-employment-in-western-kenya-the-vijana-na-kilimo-project-begins-phase-two\/#Creating_Job_Opportunities\" >Creating Job Opportunities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/transforming-youth-employment-in-western-kenya-the-vijana-na-kilimo-project-begins-phase-two\/#Phase_Two_A_Renewed_Commitment\" >Phase Two: A Renewed Commitment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/transforming-youth-employment-in-western-kenya-the-vijana-na-kilimo-project-begins-phase-two\/#Leadership_and_Dedication\" >Leadership and Dedication<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/transforming-youth-employment-in-western-kenya-the-vijana-na-kilimo-project-begins-phase-two\/#Building_a_Brighter_Future\" >Building a Brighter Future<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/transforming-youth-employment-in-western-kenya-the-vijana-na-kilimo-project-begins-phase-two\/#Join_the_Journey\" >Join the Journey<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-empowering-youth-through-collaboration\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Empowering_Youth_Through_Collaboration\"><\/span><strong>Empowering Youth Through Collaboration<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Vijana na Kilimo II project demonstrates strong collaboration and unwavering dedication to empowering youth. This project is designed to empower young job seekers in Western Kenya&#8217;s agri-food sector. The objectives are to enhance job matching, boost employability for youth aged 18-35, and encourage better talent acquisition practices among sector employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"652\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9471-1-1024x652.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9471-1-1024x652.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9471-1-770x490.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9471-1-1536x978.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9471-1-2048x1304.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9471-1-390x248.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Phase_One_Success\"><\/span><strong>Phase One Success<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Phase One of the Vijana na Kilimo project was a resounding success, surpassing initial expectations. The primary mission was to empower youth in five counties in Western Kenya, including Kisumu, Bungoma, Siaya, Kakamega, and Vihiga, within the agri-food sector. The results were extraordinary, with over 15,000 youth reached nationwide, far exceeding the initial target of 10,000. In Western Kenya, the project connected with an impressive 4,749 young job seekers interested in agri-food sector employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fostering_Gender_Diversity\"><\/span><strong>Fostering Gender Diversity<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One noteworthy achievement is the project&#8217;s commitment to gender diversity. Out of the beneficiaries, 36% were women, showcasing a commitment to inclusive empowerment in the agri-food sector. Nevertheless, there&#8217;s room for improvement in engaging more women, who are vital in agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"505\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/giz2-1-1024x505.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/giz2-1-1024x505.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/giz2-1-770x380.jpeg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/giz2-1-390x192.jpeg 390w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/giz2-1.jpeg 1242w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Building_Skills_and_Opportunities\"><\/span><strong>Building Skills and Opportunities<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A key success factor for the project was targeted youth empowerment through enhancing their employability skills. During Phase One, 1,257 young people underwent in-person training to enhance their soft skills and employability aimed at increasing their employment prospects in the competitive job market. Additionally, 4,362 individuals enrolled in online training, showcasing the project&#8217;s adaptability and innovation to leverage digital services for a wider reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"904\" height=\"527\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/giz-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/giz-1.jpg 904w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/giz-1-770x449.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/giz-1-390x227.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 904px) 100vw, 904px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Creating_Job_Opportunities\"><\/span><strong>Creating Job Opportunities<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Addressing the needs of employers was another vital aspect of the project. A total of 336 companies were sensitized to leverage digital platforms for talent acquisition. This led to 547 young individuals securing internships and jobs in the agri-food sector, against a target of 500. This success highlights BrighterMonday\u2019s commitment to creating meaningful job opportunities for job seekers in the region through impact projects in partnership with like-minded initiatives like Agri-Jobs 4 Youth..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Phase_Two_A_Renewed_Commitment\"><\/span><strong>Phase Two: A Renewed Commitment<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The accomplishments of Phase One have paved the way for a renewed partnership between BrighterMonday Kenya and the GIZ Agri-Jobs 4 Youth for Phase Two of the Project. In this phase, the project aims to engage 4,000 young individuals. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen HR capabilities for 40 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Western Kenya agri-food industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"617\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9700-1-1024x617.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9700-1-1024x617.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9700-1-770x464.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9700-1-1536x925.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9700-1-2048x1234.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9700-1-390x235.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Leadership_and_Dedication\"><\/span><strong>Leadership and Dedication<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chris Otundo, CEO of BrighterMonday Kenya, highlights the project&#8217;s achievements and firm commitment to empowering youth, stating, &#8220;Phase One&#8217;s success is the springboard for even greater impact. Our involvement in the Vijana na Kilimo II project reflects our unwavering dedication to helping young people map out their career paths and grow their professions. We provide the skills they need, matching job market demands and making their dreams a reality. Our partnership with MSMEs, the primary employers in the agri-food sector, ensures lasting success beyond the project&#8217;s timeline.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"745\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/20231005-113223-1-1024x745.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/20231005-113223-1-1024x745.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/20231005-113223-1-770x560.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/20231005-113223-1-1536x1117.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/20231005-113223-1-2048x1490.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/20231005-113223-1-390x284.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Building_a_Brighter_Future\"><\/span><strong>Building a Brighter Future<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With these remarkable achievements and unwavering commitments, the Vijana na Kilimo II project, is passionately dedicated to enhancing youth employment. As we seek to promote gender diversity, and fostering sustainable development in Western Kenya and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"619\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9555-1-1024x619.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9555-1-1024x619.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9555-1-770x466.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9555-1-1536x929.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9555-1-2048x1239.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/804a9555-1-390x236.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Join_the_Journey\"><\/span><strong>Join the Journey<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As we embark on Phase Two, we are creating a brighter future for our region&#8217;s youth. This project marks a significant leap in transforming youth employment in Western Kenya. Join us on this journey, filled with endless opportunities, as we work together to empower the youth of Western Kenya and beyond. Let&#8217;s make a brighter future a reality.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Register [<a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/job-seeker\/vijana-na-kilimo\">HERE<\/a>] today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Vijana na Kilimo II project, backed by the German government and BrighterMonday Kenya, is redefining youth employment in the agri-food sector.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":11508,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[445],"tags":[390,358,364,371,361],"content_author":[],"class_list":["post-11498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-impact-initiatives","tag-career-growth","tag-hr","tag-job-hunting","tag-jobs","tag-partnerships"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11498","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11498"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11498\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11508"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11498"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11498"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11498"},{"taxonomy":"content_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_author?post=11498"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}