The Ministry of Education in Kenya has called on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to integrate green skills into their national training system. This move aims to prepare graduates for an economy facing climate and environmental challenges. According to Anne Kamonjo, Head of the Greening TVET and Climate Change Unit at the State Department for TVET, TVETs must champion soft skills in greening and fully adopt the green curriculum.
The green curriculum was developed to address the effects of climate change, such as rising water levels in lakes like Baringo, which have displaced communities and learners. Kamonjo emphasized that the answer to climate change lies in classrooms and workshops, where students can learn to turn waste into products and create jobs. This approach is expected to make life sustainable for future generations.
A two-day forum on greening was recently held at the Kenya School of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Gigiri, Nairobi. The event brought together over 100 stakeholders, including TVET principals and trainers, industry representatives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), student innovators, and a delegation from Edukans Ethiopia. The forum was organized by Edukans Kenya and the State Department for TVET under the Wear the Green Future programme.
The Wear the Green Future programme was launched in 2024 to promote sustainable practices in the fashion and textile industry. The programme trains young people to recycle and reuse old garments and other waste, use sustainable textiles, and adopt production methods that reduce environmental harm. Edukans Kenya Country Director Mary Mugo reported that the programme has made significant progress, reaching over 20 industries and MSMEs and supporting more than 3,000 young people.
Mugo highlighted that the next challenge is connecting student innovations to businesses and consumers. She emphasized that young people have the creativity, but they lack market linkages and support. To address this, there is a need to tap into their creativity, connect them to MSMEs, and ensure that products made in TVETs can be sold in markets. This will enable the greening movement to become a green economy.
During the forum, students from participating TVETs showcased products made from waste and discarded materials. These products included upcycled denim bags, patchwork school uniforms, mats made from plastic waste, and home décor items. The Ethiopian delegation shared their experience in adapting the programme to address textile waste in urban centers while creating jobs for marginalized young people.
Stakeholders are expected to agree on a joint action plan to integrate the green curriculum into TVET institutions, partner with industry to market green products, and expand youth-led green enterprises across Kenya and the region. This initiative aims to promote sustainable practices, create jobs, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Key points
- TVET institutions in Kenya are urged to adopt a green curriculum to teach students how to turn waste into products and jobs.
- The green curriculum aims to prepare graduates for an economy facing climate and environmental challenges.
- The Wear the Green Future programme has supported over 3,000 young people in sustainable practices.
