336 youths graduate with vocational skills, receive Sh69 million in start-up tools
Ilemela District Commissioner Amir Mkalipa (second left) hands over start-up tools to a youth who completed vocational training at a Veta college in Mwanza City.
The beneficiaries, identified from vulnerable communities, include school dropouts and teenage mothers who were unable to pursue higher education.
Mwanza. A total of 336 youths have graduated after completing vocational training under the Vijana Elimu, Malezi na Ajira (VEMA) project, receiving start-up toolkits worth Sh69 million to support self-employment.
The graduates are part of 400 young people enrolled in the programme, which has spent more than Sh160 million on tuition fees and training equipment through vocational colleges run by the Vocational Education and Training Authority (Veta) in Mwanza Region.
Implemented by Plan International with support from the Belgian Development Agency (DGD), the project aims to economically and socially empower youths aged between 10 and 24 from vulnerable communities, including school dropouts and teenage mothers unable to pursue further education.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony held on February 27, 2026, in Mwanza City, the project coordinator, Mr Gadiel Kayanda, said beneficiaries were identified through community structures while facing difficult living conditions.
“Some dropped out of school due to teenage pregnancies, while others could not continue with higher education. We saw the need to give them a fresh start,” he said.
Of the 336 graduates, 211 are female and 135 male, reflecting efforts to promote gender equality in access to skills training and employment opportunities.
Mr Kayanda urged the beneficiaries to apply the skills acquired to improve their livelihoods, noting that failure to do so would render the training ineffective.
Ilemela District Commissioner Amir Mkalipa cautioned the youths against selling the tools provided to help them start income-generating activities.
“We do not expect to see these tools being sold. Stern measures will be taken against anyone who does so,” he said.
He also encouraged the graduates to form groups and access loans from the 10 percent of council revenue allocated to youths, women and the elderly.
The project has facilitated the formation of 53 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), whose members received training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, gender equality and digital skills.
The groups have so far saved more than Sh200 million, with over Sh110 million disbursed as loans to support small business start-ups and expansion.
Mr Kayanda cited challenges including truancy among some trainees, resistance from certain parents and guardians, and shifting expectations among youths influenced by socio-economic realities.
The project targets reaching 800 youths across Mwanza Region with skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Some graduates said the programme had transformed their outlook on life.
“I will start an activity that enables me to earn a living and become economically independent. I believe I will succeed,” said Ester Cheni.
Kelvin Daniel said the skills acquired would enable him to create self-employment rather than wait for opportunities in the public or private sectors.
In the first phase of the project, 170 youths also graduated and received certificates and start-up toolkits.
