General

Nairobi slum youth get vocational skills.

24 Oct, 2006

Unemployed youth living in the slums of Waruku, Gatina, Kangemi and Muthangari in west Nairobi will soon be able to receive vocational skills training as part of a Ksh40 million initiative aimed at reducing poverty in the area. The project is being overseen by the Catholic parish of St Austin in the wealthy Lavington suburb, which is building a special centre for the purpose. According to the Catholic Information Service for Africa (CISA), 12 youngsters have already enrolled for a sewing course, while training in cookery, hairdressing, carpentry and metal work will also be introduced. Students pay a monthly subsidised fee of Ksh400 to attend courses and training is expected to last one and a half years. The project is being financed by local and foreign donors. Founded in 1913, the parish of St Austin is run by the Holy Ghost Fathers (Spiritans), who were the first Catholic missionaries to Nairobi.