Vocational Education & Entrepreneurship
Practical skills and business training that help youth, especially young women, earn a living and become self-sufficient.
A pathway to independence
Not all youth have access to formal employment pathways. Many out-of-school girls and young women in rural communities face real economic vulnerability, with few chances to gain job-ready skills.
Through the Akili STEMarts Academy & Vocational Training Center, we combine technical training with business and entrepreneurship skills, so young people can create sustainable income for themselves and their families.
Graduates go on to establish micro-enterprises, reduce reliance on aid and create local jobs, fostering economic independence and community development.
Technical skills and business know-how
Two courses, one goal: a livelihood
Fashion & Design
Six months of technical training followed by a three-month apprenticeship, for rural girls and young women. Trainees learn tailoring, dressmaking and garment design, along with micro-business skills, digital marketing, financial literacy and business planning.
31 graduates, who also trained in soap making and entrepreneurship.
Digital Literacy
A course for rural youth that bridges the digital divide, from basic computing, data entry and e-commerce to coding, cybersecurity, AI fundamentals and web development. Short one-to-two-week courses are also offered to local business owners.
21 graduates from a course covering AI, graphic design and digital entrepreneurship, including youth preparing to join college.
After graduation
Graduates are supported to put their skills to work: starting micro-enterprises, finding work on online job platforms such as Ajira Digital, and joining our incubation hub for mentorship, networking and business support.
Out-of-school young women and youth building their own source of income.
Improved economic resilience of youth and young women.