Over 5000 youths on 15th Feb 2025 graduated with certificates in 29 short courses offered by the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Free Weekend Academy in over 20 branches across the Kenya
The graduands were the Academy’s 7th cohort who had successfully completed their respective courses as per the institution’s curriculum.
Some of the courses offered are Plumbing, news production, Beauty and Hairdressing, Catering, Camera Operations, theology, Computer packages, carpentry, Fashion, hospitality, photography and videography , automotive repair and Graphic Design.
The courses took three months to complete with the best students receiving a scholarship to further their education with Mahanaim College.
This year’s graduation was presided over by the director of Youth Social Development State Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ms. Emily Maina.
According to Ms Maina, youth development and talent acquisition requires a concerted effort and a multidimensional approach from all the players both in the public and private sector.
“We know that Kenya is a youthful nation with 75% of the population being persons under the age of 35 years. This segment has the power to change the country hence our emphasis on their positive mindsets. As the team from the Ministry responsible for youth affairs, therefore, it is gratifying to acknowledge partnerships with stakeholders like IYF who share a vision for the development of the youth and are greatly contributing to initiatives that will harness the youth demographic dividend for Kenya’s future prosperity.” Said Ms. Maina.
International youth fellowship (IYF) Free Academy, since its inception in 2007, has channeled out over 60,000 to the job markets.
Addressing the graduands IYF Chairman Rev. Yohan Kim challenged the graduands to focus on their mindset rather than materialistic things like money.
“I want to tell you this one mindset that you all should have, many people think if I have a lot of money and if I am smart and have a good education people think those are the things that can make our lives happy.” He said
Mr. Kim also noted that the institution has adequate facilities, state of art equipment and qualified tutors.
IYF Free Academy has channeled out over 60,000 graduands who have gone out to be important members of the society.
The program mainly targets disadvantaged youths with a majority being form four leavers.
