About Us / Our Work in Kenya
Strengthening Skills, Expanding Opportunities
Since 2023, Don Bosco has been working closely with the Bildungswerk der Baden-Württembergischen Wirtschaft (BIWE) to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and improve employment prospects for young people in Kenya.
BIWE is the training and education organization from Germany’s South Western State of Baden-Württemberg. This partnership builds on Don Bosco’s long-standing commitment to empowering youth through practical, values-based training, and combines it with BIWE’s experience in industry-oriented vocational education.
A Joint Effort to Strengthen Quality Training
In the first phase of the partnership, the focus lay on enhancing the quality of training in the trades of welding and masonry. Together with BIWE, Don Bosco:
- ✓ Updated and aligned curricula to better reflect current industry requirements.
- ✓ Provided capacity-building for teachers and instructors, ensuring they are equipped with modern pedagogical and technical skills.
- ✓ Upgraded training workshops with improved tools and materials.
- ✓ Strengthened collaboration with the private sector, creating direct links between training programs and employers.
Through these combined efforts, 114 students received targeted support, and 195 vocational teachers and company-based instructors benefited from professional development opportunities. These measures ensured that students acquired not only technical know-how but also the competencies Kenyan employers are seeking today.
Supporting Employment Pathways
To facilitate a smooth transition from training into the world of work, the partnership introduced several career support activities. Students were connected with potential employers and received soft skills training to improve communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—key requirements in modern workplaces. These efforts significantly enhanced the employability and confidence of young graduates.
Empowering Informally Trained Artisans
A major achievement of the first phase was the successful certification of informally trained artisans. Many skilled artisans in Kenya lack formal recognition, limiting their employment opportunities. In partnership with relevant authorities, the project supported 271 artisans in upgrading their skills and obtaining official certification—an important step toward better income and increased social mobility.
A Partnership for the Future
“The TVET partnership between Don Bosco and BIWE is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through sequa gGmbH. Together, the partners are committed to creating sustainable opportunities for Kenyan youth by combining high-quality vocational training, strong industry linkages, and a forward-looking approach to institutional development—both offline and online.”