The Imarika Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people through technical training by announcing plans to sponsor an additional 50 beneficiaries in 2025 under its Youth Empowerment Program.
This announcement was made during the recent Wezesha Vijana Walkathon event held in Kilifi Town, which brought together supporters, stakeholders, and community members to rally behind the cause.
Speaking at the event, Imarika Foundation’s Chairperson, Madam Jackline Jumbe, expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support the foundation has received over the years, emphasizing that the funds raised during the Walkathon will make it possible to scale up the program.
“As we look ahead to 2025, I am thrilled to share that, with the resources raised through this event, we plan to sponsor an additional 50 young beneficiaries,” Jumbe said. “This ambitious target is only possible because of your unwavering support. Together, we are creating a legacy of hope, resilience, and success for our youth.”
Expanding Opportunities for Young People
The Youth Empowerment Program, established three years ago, has already supported 75 out-of-school youth from villages across Kilifi County. Beneficiaries have received training in marketable technical skills such as carpentry, electrical wiring, ICT, tailoring, and hairdressing.
According to the foundation, the program has achieved remarkable results, with 70% of the graduates either securing formal employment or successfully launching their own small businesses.
John Ziro, the Chairman of Imarika Sacco and Guest Speaker at the Walkathon, lauded the program’s impact on individuals, families, and communities.
“This is no small feat,” Ziro remarked. “The ripple effects of this success are felt not only by the beneficiaries but also by their families and communities. These empowered young men and women are now contributors to the local economy, role models for their peers, and catalysts for change in their neighborhoods.”
Addressing Unmet Needs
Despite the program’s success, Ziro acknowledged that the demand for such training opportunities far outstrips the available sponsorship resources. He called for continued community support to ensure that more deserving youth could access training that would help unlock their potential.
“Every step we take today and every contribution made will go toward extending this program to more deserving youth, giving them a chance to dream and thrive,” Ziro said.
The Wezesha Vijana Walkathon was a testament to the community’s goodwill, as participants enthusiastically walked to raise funds and awareness for the program. Contributions from the event will directly support the foundation’s ambitious plans to reach more young people.
Building a Brighter Future
The program’s transformative impact was a recurring theme during the event, with speakers highlighting the role of technical skills in addressing youth unemployment in Kilifi County. Beneficiaries of the program have not only improved their livelihoods but have also become beacons of hope in their communities.
The Foundation’s chairperson Madam Jackline Jumbe reiterated that such success stories inspire the foundation to continue its work.
“The young men and women we have supported are proof that investing in youth empowerment yields immense returns. They are now agents of change, breaking cycles of poverty and creating a brighter future for themselves and their families,” Jumbe said.
As the Imarika Foundation looks ahead to 2025, the Wezesha Vijana Walkathon serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in creating meaningful change. The foundation is calling on more individuals, organizations, and stakeholders to join hands in supporting its mission to empower the youth of Kilifi County.
By expanding the Youth Empowerment Program, the Imarika Foundation aims to build a resilient generation equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-evolving job market.
