By Reporter
Governor Fatuma Achani has urged the youth to make good use of their acquired skills to secure jobs and improve lives.
Achani said the youth are in an advantageous position if they continue practising their job skills even after graduation instead of sitting idle.
Her statement follows the rising number of youth in the region who graduate from various technical courses but decide to put certificates under their pillow beds complaining of a lack of job opportunities.
Achani advised the youth to move out of their comfort zones to make a change in life adding that the future is in their hands.
“Treasure the skills you acquire, apply them and work hard to secure your future,” she said.
Achani spoke while presiding over a graduation ceremony of 30 youth from Miguneni Baptist CDC in Kasemeni Ward, Kinango Sub-county.
The youth graduated with different skills ranging from dressmaking, pastry and baking skills, welding, mechanics, education, hairdressing and beauty, plumbing, plant operators, and electrical engineering among other courses.
Achani said as both national and county governments make efforts to create various employment opportunities the youth should constructively use their hands-on skills to create jobs and transform their lives.
The governor said the youngsters must utilize every opportunity given to them and live a positive life.
Achani said the youth have the power to determine their future by taking appropriate actions and setting the right goals.
She said they should have a paradigm shift of mind that one has to be employed for them to be successful.
Achani said with the change of such attitude lies great prosperity and economic growth not only in Kwale but the entire country.
She said her administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for youth to network and strive.
Achani said the young fellows should reach out for assistance through education, mentorship and empowerment programs to nurture talents and grow socio-economically.
“You are the backbone of this nation, and as a county your development is our priority and our offices are always open to support you,” she said.
She encouraged the youth who are yet to take technical courses to do so to prepare themselves well for the future.
Achani said it is only through education and job skills that one can secure better employment opportunities.
“If you don’t have a skill or education, the chances of getting a job are very minimal,” she added.
The second Kwale governor dismissed the idea that Technical Institutes are for the losers and dropouts.
Achani said the TVETs are meant for everyone and are there to equip and prepare youth for various employment opportunities.
She said processes to increase the bursary kitty from sh400 million to sh600 million are underway to ensure more children and youth get the desired education and job skills.
Achani also made calls for the youth to shun drugs and substance abuse adding that they are no good for their health and future.
The governor adviser them to avoid bad companies and allow themselves only to be influenced by positive role models.
She said the county will remain strong in fighting drugs and create opportunities for trecuperatinging drug addicts to head back on the right path and improve their lives and those living around them.
