Empowering Youth and Enhancing Education: USAID and WERK Capacity Assessment for Nakuru and Kilifi Counties
In September 2024, the USAID Reading Champions Project partnered with the Women Educational Researchers of Kenya (WERK) to conduct an Organization Capacity Assessment for the Nakuru County Youth Bunge Forum and Kesho Kenya. This initiative aims to strengthen local organizations working to improve education and youth empowerment in Nakuru and Kilifi counties. The five-day workshop took place at Silver Palm Hotel from 23rd to 27th September 2024, focusing on building leadership, strategic planning, and program implementation capacity for these youth and education organizations.
Purpose of the USAID and WERK Capacity Assessment:
The capacity assessment was organized to:
- Boost the organizational capacity of local youth and education organizations.
- Equip them with skills to implement and monitor educational programs effectively.
- Strengthen the role of youth in leadership and development, especially in the education sector.
- Support the long-term goals of the USAID Reading Champions Project, which aims to enhance literacy in Kenya.
Key Focus Areas:
- Leadership Development: Training on governance, accountability, and team management.
- Strategic Planning for Education Programs: Helping organizations create actionable and sustainable plans.
- Resource Mobilization: Teaching how to secure funding and manage resources efficiently for educational initiatives.
- Program Monitoring and Evaluation: Emphasizing the importance of tracking program impact and outcomes in the education sector.
- Partnership Building: Encouraging collaboration between local and international organizations to maximize impact.
Workshop Highlights:
- Youth Leadership in Nakuru County: The Nakuru County Youth Bunge Forum was praised for its commitment to youth leadership and community engagement through education and civic programs.
- Kesho Kenya’s Impact in Kilifi: Kesho Kenya’s efforts to enhance literacy and educational opportunities in Kilifi County were emphasized, especially in marginalized communities.
- Interactive Learning: The workshop provided hands-on training, peer learning, and simulations that allowed participants to develop practical solutions for their communities.
Results and Outcomes:
- Enhanced Organizational Skills: Both Nakuru Youth Bunge Forum and Kesho Kenya developed detailed capacity-building plans to enhance their operations.
- Sustainable Program Implementation: Organizations were equipped with skills to sustain their educational programs, ensuring long-term success in improving literacy and youth development.
- Increased Collaboration: Stronger networks were formed between USAID, WERK, and local organizations, fostering partnerships for future educational projects.
- Tailored Roadmaps: Custom plans for resource mobilization, leadership development, and strategic planning were created to support both Nakuru and Kilifi in addressing educational challenges.
The Importance of Education and Youth Empowerment in Kenya:
Education is a critical driver of social and economic growth, and programs like the USAID Reading Champions Project aim to address literacy challenges, especially in rural and underserved areas. The assessment focused on:
- Improving Education in Kenya: Providing skills to organizations like Kesho Kenya that work tirelessly to enhance literacy in Kilifi County.
- Youth Empowerment through Leadership: Organizations like the Nakuru County Youth Bunge Forum play a crucial role in fostering leadership and civic engagement among youth, helping to shape the next generation of leaders.
Conclusion:
The WERK/USAID Capacity Assessment workshop in Nakuru and Kilifi counties is a vital step towards improving education in Kenya. By building the capacity of local organizations like the Nakuru County Youth Bunge Forum and Kesho Kenya, this initiative is not only empowering youth but also creating a strong foundation for educational development. The impact of this capacity-building effort will contribute to the success of the USAID Reading Champions Project, ensuring that more children in Kenya have access to quality education and opportunities for a brighter future.