Season 8: IYF Free Weekend Academy Welcomes 20,000 Youths for Courses
The International Youth Fellowship (IYF) has made positive strides towards transforming vocational training education in Kenya by an overwhelming interest by the number of learners who got enrolled in its current intake.
The International Youth Fellowship program being run under the auspices of the IYF Free Weekend Academy aimed at transforming technical education training and workforce development attracted a record 20,000 youths for enrolment in its 8th cohort to be trained in vocational courses.
The Free Weekend Academy is gaining popularity managed attract 20,000 youths aspiring to get trained, an increase from the 5,000 that graduated a week ago from the institution’s 7th cohort.
The aspiring students expressed their interest for their training in vocational courses of their choice and the hunger for further education in tertiary institutions which is offered free of charge by turning up in large numbers for the orientation at Mahanaim College on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025.
“The program underscores IYF Free Weekend Academy’s commitment to fostering industry-academic needs, enhancing employee capabilities and driving innovation,” said IYF chairman Rev. Yohan Kim.
He added:”By leveraging IYF Free Weekend Academy’s world-class academic expertise and IYF’s industry leadership, the program will provide students with access to specialized training programs, academic advancement opportunities, and cutting-edge research in the various fields of training.
Speaking at the orientation ceremony, Ms. Emily Maina, Director of Youth Social Development at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, acknowledged the role of public-private partnerships in driving youth empowerment.
“As the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Creative Economy, our mandate is to equip young people with the skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset they need to thrive. While the government plays a central role, we cannot do it alone. That is why partnerships with organizations like IYF are essential in bridging the skills gap and expanding opportunities for Kenyan youth,” said Ms. Maina.
The IYF Free Weekend Academy offers 31 courses including Computer Programing, Beauty & Hairdressing, Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Paramedics, Automotive Repair, Camera Operations, Graphic & Design, French, Theology, Carpentry, Music, Artificial Intelligence, Sign Language, Chinese and English.
Other courses on offer are Computer Packages, Fashion and Design, Camera Operations, Taekwondo, Catering, Korean, Dance, Art, Networking, Driving, Video Editing, UX Design, Mindset Education, News Production, Digital Marketing and Football.
These programs are tailored for young people, particularly Form 4 graduates and disadvantaged youth, who face financial barriers to further education.
Since its inception in 2007, the IYF Free Weekend Academy has trained and certified over 60,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to establish businesses, secure employment, and contribute to their communities.
The academy operates on a three-month weekend-based model, allowing students to gain practical skills while balancing other responsibilities.
A vision for the Future
Rev Yohan Kim, chairman International Youth Fellowship, highlighted the program’s focus on employee growth and development. “This program will provide our students with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their careers.”
“By investing in education and skills development, we are not only empowering our students but also shaping the future of technical courses in Kenya and beyond,” he said.
Beyond skill training, IYF integrates mindset education and character development, fostering confidence, discipline, and leadership in young people.
The top-performing students also receive scholarships to further their education in partnership with Mahanaim College, a sister organization. With Kenya’s youth unemployment crisis requiring urgent solutions, IYF continues to provide innovative, accessible, and impactful training programs that prepare young people for the evolving job market.
