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Introducing the 2015 Skill Training Graduates[/caption]In November, the Skill Training program graduated 12 students – the largest class since the inception of the program. These women leave the school with skills to help them support their families and transform their lives and communities.

Interview with Christine Mbithe – Head of Skill Training Dept

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Christine Mbithe - Skill Training Head of Department[/caption]

Christine emphasizes that students not only gain actual physical skills but also learn to communicate better, market their skills, run a business, and provide excellent customer service. She said that this group was highly motivated to learn and for most, it was a chance of a lifetime. These skills will open doors, take them further, and change their lives in ways they never imagined possible. At the time of the interview, six students were already employed - four in the public sector and two working from home. Christine requests prayer for the others to find work and earn a living for themselves and their families.

Graduating Students, Jemimah M. & Agnes K.

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Jemimah (left) and Agnes (right)[/caption]Jemimah and Agnes graduated from the eduKenya Skill Training Program with certificates in Cosmetology. Both women came to Mathare from distant towns to attend the trade school. Jemimah, a shy 17-year-old, left formal schooling after Class 8 because her parents could not afford high school tuition. Agnes attended high school and received the KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education), but she could not advance to college.Jemimah hopes to put her new skills to use when she goes back to her hometown this month. If she can support herself as a stylist, Jemimah hopes to save enough to take the KCSE exam, equivalent to a high school diploma, and one day attend university.Agnes is delighted to earn her certificate but has her eye on ultimately earning a Diploma in Cosmetology. For now, she wants to gain experience in an existing salon. Agnes’ end goal is to open her own salon and employ others.