Ndere Vocational Training Center in North Gem Ward, Gem Sub-County is gaining popularity in Siaya due to its quality teachings and skilled product it churns out yearly. Skills development through vocational training hold immense promise for empowering youth and contributing to sustainable economic transformation.
According to the Manager Raphael Nyadenge, quality teachings and skilled products from Ndere Vocational Training Center has not only attracted students to the institution but also managers from other institutions on benchmarking strategy. "Our institution has hosted several managers from parts of the Country just for benchmarking purposes," said Nyadenge.
Mr. Nyadenge noted that the institution’s population has risen to more than 400 with the latest kid on the bloc being Henry Omondi, a GEN Z protester whose video went viral on claims that the government intended to sell off Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Omondi, a class three dropout, hails from Dond Koki in Alego/Usonga Sub-County.
After going viral, Comedian Eric Omondi held his hands and traced his roots before he enrolled him at Ndere VTC where is now taking an electrical course. “Am happy to be at Ndere VTC, and will now concentrate and acquire necessary skills that would help me earn a living in future,” said Omondi.
Nyadenge also attributes enrollment boost to the withdrawal of uniforms. She added that withdrawing of the school uniform at Ndere VTC has yielded great results in terms of student’s enrollment. “Previously, we got few students and we established that students declined to join because of the school uniform and as a board, we resolved to scrap it off. We managed to get 63 students from SHOFCO,” said Nyadenge.
“We are now targeting Adults and graduates whose previous courses has not given them jobs,” said Nyadenge. He appreciated the support they normally receive from the County government of Siaya adding that they already have Sh 1.2 million in their accounts courtesy of the government.
“We received Sh 1.2 million from the County government of Siaya to run certain programs in the school,” said Nyadenge. However, the funds are too little to address the many challenges engulfing the institution and so it would be fair if the administration considers funding the VTCs. “More investment towards strengthening operations of the institutions for them to thrive and produce quality skills needed in the job market,” said Nyadenge.
Nyadenge added that VTCs were devolved to the counties and their survival rests with the county administration. “We want the County government of Siaya to support us with necessary equipment and instructors so as to deliver,” said Nyadenge, adding that the bursary itself was not being distributed fairly. “We highly depend on the County government of Siaya to thrive. Certain NG-CDF does not sponsor students at the VTCs with Bursary,” said Nyadenge. In the financial year 2023/2024, Sh 110 million worth bursary was disbursed in schools and various institutions to support students Education.