FCA Kenya Celebrates International Youth Day with a Call for Youth Empowerment
FCA Kenya marked International Youth Day yesterday at ACK St. Philips – Jericho, with a strong emphasis on empowering young people to navigate the complexities of modern life. The event, themed “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” highlighted the importance of equipping the youth with digital and entrepreneurial skills to drive sustainable growth.
Speaking during the event, Faith Inyanchi, Fundraising and Partnership Manager at FCA Kenya, urged the government to forge strategic partnerships with private institutions. “Such collaborations are essential in providing young people with the skills they need to thrive in today’s digital economy,” she stated.
FCA Kenya has been at the forefront of empowering youth through its comprehensive training and mentorship programs. These initiatives focus on developing digital entrepreneurial skills, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the challenges of the creative industry.
As FCA Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed in the digital age, Roy Gitahi, Chairman of Art at Work, said, “Being a creative is an extension of God’s character. I encourage the youth to adapt and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.”
Andrew Mutisya, Director at Bawa Hope Ltd, highlighted the importance of creativity in product development. “Every time there’s a new product coming out, it’s creativity. We use digital space to market our products, and it’s crucial to use that energy to transform your creativity into opportunities for others,” he said.
FCA CI Project Assistant Peter Njoguna, emphasised the organisation’s role in creating job opportunities for youth by partnering with both local and international creative agencies. “We facilitate networking events and job placement opportunities for our graduates, ensuring they are connected with potential employers,” he said. FCA also hosts forums, workshops, and collaborative opportunities to strengthen the creative industry and promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Amillia Awuor, a participant who now owns Emidecor and Creation, thanked FCA mentoring her as she shared her journey of transforming waste into home décor and accessories. “Through our creative products, we aim to protect the environment and empower people. The entrepreneurship and digital marketing training I received from FCA has been instrumental in growing my business and improving my family’s livelihood,” she remarked.
Another participant of the program, who is now a graphic designer, shared, “The program has provided me with the space and tools required to hone my skills and potentially earn a living.”
With support from The Ministry for Foreign Affairs Finland and Women’s Bank, FCA Kenya’s Women in Creative Enterprise (WICE) project operates in Nairobi and Turkana counties. WICE aims to empower young women entrepreneurs by providing business mentorship, coaching, and incubation services. The project, which aims to reach 800 women by 2026, includes a rigorous vetting process in which 10% of businesses will be incubated for further development, including grant writing and stakeholder engagement.
Watch the video here to learn more : FCA Kenya marks International Youth Day
Text: Daisy Obare/FCA