CAF Trains 500+ Youth in Technical Skills to Tackle Unemployment

With formal job opportunities becoming increasingly scarce for young people across Africa, Change Africa Foundation (CAF) is equipping youth with hands-on skills to drive self-reliance.

Through its Vocational and Technical Training Programme, CAF has trained more than 500 youth in areas including carpentry, tailoring, welding, agribusiness, and digital literacy. Many of these young people, especially school dropouts and young mothers, are now self-employed or have launched income-generating activities.

The programme blends technical instruction with entrepreneurship coaching and mentorship. Graduates also receive toolkits or referrals to local contracts, enabling them to start small businesses or find work placements.

“This is about real empowerment, not token support,” says Janet Otieno, CAF’s Assistant Chair. “We are preparing youth to become contributors, not dependents.”

CAF collaborates with local leaders and vocational trainers to identify high-potential learners and tailor courses to local market needs. In some communities, programme graduates are now training others — multiplying the programme’s impact.

Beyond hard skills, the foundation integrates financial literacy, discipline, and mindset development to prepare youth for the realities of entrepreneurship.

“Our young people don’t need pity. They need practical tools and belief in their ability to build,” says Samson Odundo, CAF’s Chairman. “This programme is a step in that direction.”

As CAF expands the initiative to more counties, it remains committed to youth as central agents of change — not passive recipients.