How youth in Kakuma are empowered with digital skills to create an income
The saying "Where there’s a will, there’s always a way" perfectly encapsulates the journeys of young individuals in Kakuma who have defied the odds to complete a six-month course in Graphic Design and 3D Modelling. Their testimonials reveal that the rewards were well worth the effort.
Life in Kakuma ward (Turkana West Sub County) is challenging for both refugees and the host community youth, which is why donors and implementing partners focus on enhancing resilience and empowering the youth groups through sustainable initiatives.
The Creative Kakuma Project, an initiative of Ambitious Africa and LWF, aims to equip young people with digital skills, enabling them to pursue freelance training to empower them to take up remote work opportunities on digital platforms. LWF-Kakuma Area Program serves as the implementing partner for this project, which was introduced in 2022 and has already benefited numerous youth who are now using their skills to earn a living.
Three inspiring accounts from course participants highlight the impact of this initiative:
Zuwena's Journey
Nineteen-year-old Zuwena Hussein, the fifth child in a family of ten, now provides mentorship on 3D Modelling at Turkana Cafeteria and supplements her income with freelance gigs. After completing Form Four, she faced uncertainty but was determined to support her family. "Both my parents are elderly and unable to work, so it’s up to the children to provide for the family. My four older siblings are married, leaving me as the primary caregiver at home," Zuwena shared. Her ambition to uplift her family and provide for their basic needs motivated her to excel in the course. “I’m doing this for my family; I made a conscious effort to avoid bad influences that could lead me astray,” she added.
Rahma's Inspiration
Another beneficiary, 20-year-old Rahma Napeyok, was inspired by her older sister, who studied Interior Design. “Watching my sister create designs intrigued me, so I asked her to teach me,” Rahma recounted. Although she comes from the host community, her challenges resonate with Zuwena’s. “I’m the second of six children, raised by a single mother. Growing up was tough, but I kept telling myself, ‘I can do it,’” she said, emphasizing her determination throughout the rigorous training.
Brian's Passion
Twenty-year-old Brian Ekiru, also from the host community, developed a keen interest in computers during his studies in Form Four. His fascination began when he witnessed a fellow passenger playing a video game during a journey with his father. “I stumbled upon the Kakuma Creative Project by chance when a friend, part of the initial cohort, invited me to join after some students dropped out,” Brian explained. Despite enrolling in an ongoing class, he quickly caught up with the help of a shared laptop and extensive self-study. “I borrowed my uncle's laptop and learned 3D modelling through YouTube tutorials,” he shared.
These three stories underscore the importance of empowering youth who, in turn, uplift their communities. After completing their training, all three were retained by LWF as mentors, where they now support in guiding new cohorts. They receive a daily allowance that supports them to avail their mentorship services to new cohort. Additionally, they continue accessing the hub to work on side gigs.
In their closing remarks, they expressed gratitude to LWF, CoS, ALWS, and Ambitious Africa for the opportunity. Brian believes that with continued support and funding, the project has the potential to grow even further, benefiting more youth in Kakuma.
How youth in Kakuma are empowered with digital skills to create an income
Brian's Passion
Twenty-year-old Brian Ekiru, also from the host community, developed a keen interest in computers during his studies in Form Four. His fascination began when he witnessed a fellow passenger playing a video game during a journey with his father. “I stumbled upon the Kakuma Creative Project by chance when a friend, part of the initial cohort, invited me to join after some students dropped out,” Brian explained. Despite enrolling in an ongoing class, he quickly caught up with the help of a shared laptop and extensive self-study. “I borrowed my uncle's laptop and learned 3D modelling through YouTube tutorials,” he shared.
Rahma's Inspiration
Another beneficiary, 20-year-old Rahma Napeyok, was inspired by her older sister, who studied Interior Design. “Watching my sister create designs intrigued me, so I asked her to teach me,” Rahma recounted. Although she comes from the host community, her challenges resonate with Zuwena’s. “I’m the second of six children, raised by a single mother. Growing up was tough, but I kept telling myself, ‘I can do it,’” she said, emphasizing her determination throughout the rigorous training.
Zuwena's Journey
Nineteen-year-old Zuwena Hussein, the fifth child in a family of ten, now provides mentorship on 3D Modelling at Turkana Cafeteria and supplements her income with freelance gigs. After completing Form Four, she faced uncertainty but was determined to support her family. "Both my parents are elderly and unable to work, so it’s up to the children to provide for the family. My four older siblings are married, leaving me as the primary caregiver at home," Zuwena shared. Her ambition to uplift her family and provide for their basic needs motivated her to excel in the course. “I’m doing this for my family; I made a conscious effort to avoid bad influences that could lead me astray,” she added.
The Creative Kakuma Project, an initiative of Ambitious Africa and LWF, aims to equip young people with digital skills, enabling them to pursue freelance training to empower them to take up remote work opportunities on digital platforms. LWF-Kakuma Area Program serves as the implementing partner for this project, which was introduced in 2022 and has already benefited numerous youth who are now using their skills to earn a livin
