UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
11/11/2024 | News release | Archived content
'Thanks to BEAR II Project, I built my own business and created jobs in my community'
I enrolled to an ICT module, and it has paid off. I've been subcontracted by the county government for CCTV installation. Now, I employ three junior students. All these, thanks to the skills I gained through BEAR II.
Kennedy Otieno, Graduate of Enhanced ICT Training at Siaya Institute of Technology
Kennedy Otieno, a young Kenyan from Nairobi, never imagined he'd be running his own business just months after completing his ICT training at Siaya Institute of Technology. Today, Kennedy is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a mentor, employing three junior students in his cybercafé. His journey is one of many that show the transformative impact of UNESCO's BEAR II project, which provides practical vocational training and equips young people with the skills to thrive in Kenya's rapidly changing economy.
Siaya Institute of Technology
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
Training for the Future Economy
BEAR II (Better Education for Africa's Rise) project is UNESCO's flagship education project implemented across Africa, aiming to bridge the gap between education and the workforce. The project was introduced in Kenya in 2018; since then, hundreds of students have profited from the vocational trainings, especially in fields like ICT and renewable energy.
UNESCO's BEAR II is also inspiring students to think beyond traditional employment and to leverage their skills to address real-world challenges. For students like Gitau Johnson Maina, who studies solar photovoltaic (PV) technology at MTTI, the training offers a pathway to improve energy access in underserved communities, contributing to sustainable development in Kenya.
Kaiboi National Polytechnic
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
The hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills imparted by the program are empowering students to enter the job market with confidence. KaiboiNational Polytechnic, for example, has been a gateway for graduates seeking opportunities aligned with Kenya's national development goals.
The project has attracted more students to study solar PV and helped local villagers learn solar installation, providing them with a livelihood. We are grateful to UNESCO and look forward to being part of the next phase.
Gertrude Sawe, Principal, Kaiboi National Polytechnic
Breaking Down Gender Barriers
The BEAR II project is also challenging traditional gender roles in sectors often dominated by men; by creating opportunities for young women in technical fields. Lucy Silvana Njoroge, Christine Mwende and Kalu Caroline Aysha are three young women empowered by the vocational education. Enrolled in solar PV programs, Lucy, Christine and Kalu are gaining industry-standard skills that prepare them for careers in electrical engineering and community energy solutions.
After high school, I knew I wanted to pursue electrical engineering, which led me to the Coast Institute of Technology. The UNESCO BEAR II project greatly enhanced my Solar PV training, equipping me with the skills needed in the job market.
Lucy Silvana Njoroge
PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
Kalu Caroline Aysha, a student in Electrical & Electronics at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute, credits the BEAR II project for her practical skills in solar PV installation. Inspired by her father's career as a mechanical engineer, Kalu is now equipped to install solar panels herself and sees the decision to pursue technical education as one of her best choices.
Christine Mwende, a second-year diploma student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. She plans to start her own solar installation company after graduation, with hopes to create jobs and promote sustainable energy solutions across Kenya.
The practical training offered by TVET institutions is really valuable in preparing us for the industry.
Christine Mwende, Electrical & Electronics student at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute
A Generation Creating Opportunities
Through BEAR II, young Kenyans are not only securing their futures but also contributing to national progress. Aryan Otieno, a diploma student, sees BEAR II as crucial for the renewable energy sector in Kenya. He hopes to see similar initiatives extended to other fields, widening the impact across various industries.
Wote technical training institute
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
BEAR II beneficiaries in Kenya, 2024.
The BEAR II project has been a game-changer in our training, and I hope it can be extended to other TVET fields so more people can benefit.
Aryan Otieno, Diploma Student
UNESCO
With BEAR II, Kenyan youth are moving beyond waiting for jobs-they're creating them. By building essential skills and fostering entrepreneurship, the program empowers students to transform their lives while supporting Kenya's sustainable development goals.