Vusha Girls Program

Overview

The Vusha Girls Employability Program was a demand-driven workforce development program intended to improve employment prospects and income-generating capacities for 1,000 young women aged 19-24 years. This program was funded by the US Department of State, Office of Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), through the DREAMS Innovation Challenge. In addition, those whose socioeconomic circumstances heightened their vulnerability to and risk of HIV infection were targeted. The fishing bays in Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya counties; and informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya were the target sites for the project. In the end, the program was implemented between October 2016 and March 2019

Program Aim

The program, implemented in four counties with the highest HIV prevalence in Kenya, targeted young women at their transition point from high school, vocational, or tertiary education to the world of work. These young women were equipped with ICT skills (digital literacy, coding), online work opportunities (Microwork), life skills (for day-to-day life, the workplace, and healthcare planning), entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Additionally, they chose one vocational skill from a range of 19 trades, including digital skills, electrical installations and electronics, carpentry and joinery, plumbing and pipefitting, fashion design and garment making, motor vehicle mechanics, food production and service, and welding and fabrication. They also received training on HIV transmission, associated risk factors, and were referred to HIV testing and counseling services, including Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services. Toward the end of the training, participants formed groups to develop business case solutions, create mobile/web applications, and enhance their problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills. After completing the training, they underwent a two-week practical experience in VCT centers before being placed in jobs, internships, apprenticeships, or entrepreneurship opportunities. The program aimed to place at least 80% of the participants into employment or entrepreneurial ventures upon completion.

Our  Approach

Short Market-driven curriculum complete with lesson plans and schemes of work in all training areas
ToT Approach to training delivery
Strategic Partnerships with DREAMS Core partners, County and National Governments Departments, Employers and local communities
Integrating baby care services for young mothers and a rigorous job placements support system
Flexible learning sessions (half-day) that allow the young women time to address other chores as they go through the training session

“Extreme household poverty and lack of economic livelihoods, high unemployment rates, and lack of employable skills coupled with lack of information /knowledge on HIV transmission and associated risk factors are some of the main causes of high HIV prevalence rates among young women in Kisumu and Nairobi counties.”

Impact

82%

found better economic opportunities, including higher paying jobs through ACWICT’s employer network (with average monthly income of KES 10,000-20,000), or self-employmen

1195 +

young women (119.5% of life of project – LOP – target) were reached through the intervention.

1,122 +

young women aged 19-24 completed USG-assisted workforce development programs. Of these 505 (45%) were from Nairobi County whereas 617 (55%) were from Kisumu, Homa Bay and Siaya Counties.

92%

completed a standardized HIV prevention intervention including the minimum components during the reporting period

57%

young women aged 19-24 completed referrals for various clinical service (s).

47%

of graduates were employed in male-dominated fields like auto mechanics, electrical, electronics, masonry, plumbing, and information and communication technologies, or established businesses of their own.