Africa Eco Services Apprenticeship Center

Proposal for Africa Eco Services Apprenticeship Center

Executive Summary

The Africa Eco Services Apprenticeship Center aims to equip young Kenyans with practical skills in agriculture
and mechanics, fostering self-sustainability and economic growth. This proposal seeks funding to establish and
operate an apprenticeship center in Isiolo County, Kenya, providing hands-on training and resources to
empower the youth to launch their own businesses upon graduation.

Introduction

Kenya faces significant challenges in youth unemployment and underemployment, particularly in rural areas.
According to recent statistics, over 35% of Kenyan youth are unemployed, despite many having completed
formal education. The Africa Eco Services Apprenticeship Center addresses this issue by offering vocational
training in agriculture and mechanics, areas with high demand for skilled labor. By investing in this center,
donors can help create a skilled workforce that contributes to local development and economic stability, with a
strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. Our approach will significantly change the landscape
for Kenyan youth by providing a sustainable pathway to self-employment and economic independence.

Project Objectives
• Skills Development: Provide practical training in agriculture and mechanics to 200 young people
annually.
• Economic Empowerment: Enable trainees to launch their own businesses, improving their economic
prospects.
• Community Impact: Foster a skilled, self-sufficient, and economically vibrant community in Isiolo and
surrounding regions.

Market Analysis
Isiolo and its neighboring regions face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The area is predominantly
rural, with a significant portion of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and informal employment.
Despite this, there is a growing demand for skilled labor in both agriculture and mechanics. Here’s a deeper
look into the market analysis:

1. Agriculture:
o Current State: Agriculture is the backbone of Isiolo’s economy, yet it remains underdeveloped
due to a lack of modern farming techniques, tools, and skilled labor. Most agricultural activities
are carried out using traditional methods, which are less efficient and yield lower outputs.
o Opportunities: There is a high demand for skilled labor that can introduce and implement
modern agricultural practices, leading to increased productivity and sustainability. Training in
areas such as sustainable farming techniques, organic farming, and agribusiness can transform
local agriculture, improving food security and creating economic opportunities.
o Impact: By providing practical training in agriculture, the apprenticeship center can help
transform subsistence farmers into agri-entrepreneurs, boosting local food production and
nutrition security. This will not only improve individual livelihoods but also enhance the overall
economic stability of the community.

2. Mechanics:
o Current State: The demand for mechanical skills, particularly in the repair and maintenance of
agricultural machinery and vehicles, is high. However, there is a shortage of qualified mechanics
in the region, leading to higher costs and delays in repairs, which can hamper productivity in
various sectors.
o Opportunities: Training young people in mechanics will fill this gap, ensuring that machinery
and vehicles are well-maintained and operational. This is particularly important for the
agricultural sector, where the use of machinery can significantly increase productivity.
o Impact: Skilled mechanics will not only serve the local community but also have the potential to
start their own businesses, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. Their services
will be crucial in maintaining the equipment necessary for modernizing agriculture and other
industries.

3. Economic and Social Impact:
o Job Creation: By training multiple young people annually, the center will directly create jobs
and business opportunities. Graduates will be equipped to start their own businesses, providing
services that are in high demand in the region.
o Community Empowerment: The project will empower the local community by fostering a
culture of entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. This will lead to a more vibrant and
economically stable community.
o Sustainable Development: The emphasis on sustainable practices in agriculture and mechanics
will ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment. This aligns
with global goals for sustainable development and positions Isiolo as a model for other regions.

Challenges Faced by Young Men and Women

1. Young Women:
o Barriers to Education and Training: Young women in rural Kenya often face cultural and
societal barriers that limit their access to education and vocational training. Early marriages,
household responsibilities, and gender biases contribute to lower educational attainment and
fewer opportunities for skills development.
o Economic Dependence: Due to limited access to education and training, young women are often
economically dependent on their families or spouses. This dependence restricts their ability to
pursue entrepreneurial ventures or seek employment.
o Vulnerability to Poverty: Without skills and economic opportunities, young women are more
vulnerable to poverty and its associated challenges, including poor health and lack of access to
essential services.

2. Young Men:
o Lack of Opportunities: Young men in rural areas also face significant challenges, including
high rates of unemployment and underemployment. Despite completing formal education, many
young men struggle to find meaningful work, leading to frustration and disillusionment.
o Economic Pressure: Young men often feel the pressure to provide for their families, yet without
skills and job opportunities, they are unable to fulfill this role. This can lead to involvement in
informal or illegal activities as a means of survival.
o Mental Health Issues: The lack of economic opportunities and societal expectations can lead to
mental health issues among young men, including stress, anxiety, and depression.

Project Implementation Plan

• Facility Setup:
o Secured location in Isiolo for the training center (400 acres).
o Equip the center with necessary tools, machinery, and learning materials.

• Recruitment Pilot in Agriculture:
o Identify and enroll 100 young trainees from Isiolo and surrounding areas.
o Hire experienced trainers with expertise in agriculture.

• Training Programs:
o Develop a curriculum focusing on practical skills and hands-on training, with an emphasis on
entrepreneurship.
o Implement training sessions, workshops, and practical exercises.

• Support Services:
o Provide career counseling, business planning assistance, and job placement support.
o Offer ongoing mentorship and support to graduates starting their own businesses.
o Provide starter kits with essential tools and materials to help graduates launch their businesses.

Collaborative Approach
This will be a collaborative organization, working closely with funders who will be considered partners in
helping Kenyans create sustainability in their employment. This partnership will be crucial in providing the
resources, expertise, and support needed to ensure the success and impact of the apprenticeship center.

Organization and Management

The center will be managed by a team of seasoned professionals with expertise in business, agriculture, and
vocational training. The leadership team will oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring the effective
implementation and management of the apprenticeship programs.

Financial Plan to be Finalized
The total budget required for the first year of operation will include:
• Facility Setup: (rental, equipment, and materials)
• Salaries and Stipends: (staff salaries and trainee stipends)
• Training Costs: (curriculum development, training materials)
• Support Services: (career counseling, business planning, mentorship)
• Starter Kits: (tools and materials for graduates to start their businesses)

Monitoring and Evaluation
To ensure the center’s success, we will establish metrics and systems to monitor progress and impact. Key
performance indicators will include the number of trainees enrolled, completion rates, business launch rates,
and feedback from participants and stakeholders. We are in communication with local partners to develop
valuable chained processes and metrics for feasible data to also empower each cohort to seek capital and
understand actual metrics. Additionally, we will develop funding schemes to support graduates in developing
their micro-enterprises, with 6 to 12 months of monitoring to ensure successful implementation of their skills
and business plans.

Sustainability Plan
To ensure long-term sustainability, the Africa Eco Services Apprenticeship Center will explore various revenue-generating activities, such as offering fee-based advanced training courses, partnering with local businesses for
sponsorships, and applying for additional grants and donations. Additionally, the center will address nutrition
security by promoting organic farming practices, which will improve community health through access to
nutritious food. Graduates will become micro-enterprises, contributing to the local food supply and enhancing
the nutritional well-being of their communities.

Conclusion
The Africa Eco Services Apprenticeship Center is a vital initiative to address youth unemployment and
underemployment in Kenya by equipping young people with essential skills in agriculture and mechanics and
fostering self-sustainability through entrepreneurship. Your investment in this center will not only provide
immediate benefits to the trainees but also contribute to the long-term economic growth and stability of the
Isiolo region. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this proposal further and explore how we can work
together to make a lasting impact.

Anny Paré
Chief Operating Officer
Africa Eco Services Apprenticeship Center