Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects 2013/2014: Handing Over of The Project for the Improvement of Mapimo Youth Polytechnic
2014/5/15
| Title | Handing Over of The Project for the Improvement of Mapimo Youth Polytechnic |
| Date | 15th May, 2014 |
| Location | Gongoni Sub-Location, Magarini District, Kilifi County, Coast province |
| Project title | The Project for the Improvement of Mapimo Youth Polytechnic |
| Amount | US$120,375 (Approx. KES9.6 million) |
| Attendance |
Total of about 650 participants
|
| Main activity | The Handing Over Ceremony of “the Project for the Improvement of Mapimo Youth Polytechnic” which had its Grant Contract signed in February 2013, was held in Magarini, Kilifi County and witnessed by among others, officials from the Embassy of Japan in Kenya. The grant provided Mapimo Youth Polytechnic with facilities to improve quality of vocational training service for the youth in the community such as construction of two workshops for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, a kitchen and dining hall for Food Processing, four eco-san toilets and an administration block. Mapimo Youth Polytechnic was established in 1979 as a technical school to train youth who had completed primary school or dropped out of secondary school. It was registered as a public institution under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and sponsored by the local Catholic Church. The Polytechnic has so far been offering 10 courses, among them tailoring, masonry, welding, food processing, carpentry, hair dressing, IT, refrigeration & air condition repairs, mechanical and electrical engineering. The Polytechnic was recognized by the Ministry of Education as one of the most productive institutions of its kind and selected for a pilot project in partnership with the Kenya National Examinations Council. Due to the partnership, the Ministry has been providing equipment and materials to enhance the training of the youth although funds for infrastructure development are limited and there are no sufficient workshops for all the departments. During the ceremony, the Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Kenya Mr. Mikio Mori and Kilifi County Governor Hon. Amason Kingi toured the new facilities, planted trees and unveiled the plaque. The ceremony which included traditional songs and dances performed by community elders and students began with speeches from officials like Hon. Kingi who expressed his gratitude for the generous assistance from the Government and people of Japan. Mr. Mori congratulated Mapimo Youth Polytechnic for the successful completion of the project. He was impressed by the efforts and passion of Mapimo Youth Polytechnic in improving technical skills of youth and hoped that the polytechnic would enhance employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth of the entire community through youth empowerment. He appreciated the dedication and hard work of all the stakeholders and contractor that had contributed to the success. Referring to the African Business Education Initiative for youth (ABE Initiative), the Deputy Ambassador quoted Prime minister Abe’s speech that emphasized on the government of Japan’s willingness to implement greater and generous assistance in African countries in the area of education and youth empowerment, to nourish future business leaders for a brighter future of Africa. |
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