World youth skills day 2025

Jackline, now 24, grew up in Kayole, a densely populated informal settlement in Nairobi known for its inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, and water shortages. Raised by a single mother who sold groceries to provide for her six children, Jackline’s early life was marked by struggle and determination. 

Despite the unstable learning environment and frequent interruptions to her school attendance, she persevered and successfully completed her high school education in 2018. 

Shortly after finishing high school, in late 2018, Jackline became a mother: a turning point in her life. 

Raising her daughter, Raya, now five years old, meant setting aside any immediate plans for college. She needed to find ways to earn an income to support her child and herself, despite having no formal qualifications or work experience. 

In 2021, Jackline’s life changed when mentors from AVSI Foundation visited households in her area, seeking young women facing social and economic challenges who could benefit from the WINGS+ approach. Jackline was intrigued and enrolled in the program. 

Every morning, she walked 40 minutes to attend the sessions, demonstrating her commitment to change her future. After completing the three-month life skills and mentorship training, she stayed home briefly before another opportunity arose - this time, to pursue formal vocational training. 

In early 2022, Jackline enrolled in a certificate course in electrical and electronics engineering with support from the AVSI program. Her decision wasn’t random; she had always been curious about how electrical systems worked. 

She excelled in her course, graduating top of her class of 29 students. With her new qualifications, she joined Central International Electronics, where she now works as a technician. Her skills include installing and maintaining electrical systems, repairing wiring, and setting up conduits and cables. 

During her training, Jackline interned with a company involved in the government’s Affordable Housing Project. There, she sharpened her technical skills while gaining hands-on experience in large-scale installations. 

Her work ethic and visibility in a male-dominated sector even earned her a rare opportunity - she met President William Samoei Ruto, recognized as one of the women excelling in the construction industry. 

Today, Jackline’s assignments include overseeing installation and alignment projects at Carrefour supermarkets, where she also supervises a team of up to 17 colleagues. She works full-time, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and takes on extra jobs in the Jua Kali (informal) sector to supplement her income.

Jackline now proudly contributes to her household by helping her mother raise her siblings. She pays her own rent, supports her daughter’s education, and continues to grow in her career. 

Looking ahead, Jackline dreams of starting her own business in the electrical sector—offering services and selling equipment. She also hopes to mentor other young women so they too can become self-reliant. 

Jackline is one of many young women supported by the WINGS+ initiative, an enhanced development model by AVSI Foundation that empowers youth - especially those in fragile contexts - through skills development tailored to real market demands. 

Building on the original WINGS pilot in Kenya and Uganda, the WINGS+ model adds a stronger foundation in life skills, deeper mentorship, financial literacy, and results-oriented coaching. The model is now being scaled up in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya, focusing on sustainable, measurable livelihood outcomes. 

World Youth Skills Day 2025 focuses on “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” emphasizing the critical role of equipping young people with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. As digital innovation reshapes job markets and livelihoods, it is essential to ensure that youth—especially those from underserved communities—are not left behind. Through initiatives like WINGS+, AVSI Foundation is empowering young women and men with relevant technical, entrepreneurial, and digital competencies. By combining mentorship with market-driven training, we’re helping young people become active players in shaping a more inclusive, tech-enabled future.