Kenya recorded its first case of COVID in March 2020, thus heralding closure for all training institutions including CAP Youth Empowerment Institute.
CAP Youth Empowerment Institute (CAPYEI). CAP-YEI is an innovative development initiative demonstrating end-to-end transition support to link learning and livelihood for disadvantaged young people with particular focus on young women. CAP YEI has developed and successfully replicated programs that offer Academic, Vocational and Occupational Preparatory programs through in school, out-of-school and post-school program interventions. Through these initiatives, young people get equitable qualitative learning and access promising labor market oriented opportunities, savings and credit that support their pathways to safe and positive futures.
Since 2011, CAP YEI has been addressing the youth unemployment challenge by offering skills training and support through its Basic Employability Skills Training (BEST) model. This demand led modularized training approach closely works by linking employers, youth, mentors and other stakeholders to deliver skills (Technical, Business, entrepreneurship and life skills), youth people are supported the right skills and attitudes to effectively and efficiently perform at work as well as develop skills and knowledge to be able to start successful and sustainable businesses. Our footprints are felt in 29 counties with 45 centers across the country. The trainees get access to a range of market driven technical, entrepreneurship and life skills which are essential in the realization of one’s potential and preparation for the future. Using the BEST model, CAP YEI has trained over 61,346 youth in Kenya directly and attained 78% successful transition to employment opportunities, 10% of the youths create Micro and small enterprises.
When COVID struck, there were 1 750 youth on a training programme. They had already covered a large part of the curriculum.
Our Approach
Due to lockdown regulations, they could not access classrooms, so the institute had to find alternative ways of keeping them engaged. The following steps were taken:
- CAPYEI’s MIT (Management Information Systems) department developed a platform to store a repository of 10 000 questions based on work covered. Students could access the platform via a link, accessible on a smart device. They were assigned random questions. Responses were assessed and immediate feedback provided
- The system provided interactive learning and assessment. Facilitators could track results and provide support to students.
- Initially, only 55% of students had access to the system. To resolve this, the link was extended to ten days so that students could get access to a device at any time of the day or night. Over a period of two weeks, 80% of students were able to access the system.
Key Results
COVID provided an opportunity for CAPYEI to take advantage of technology, an approach that will change the nature of training delivery in the future.
CAPYEI has begun development on its own Learning Management System (LMS), which will accommodate online learning i.e. recorded lectures, videos, summarised notes and explanations, with students being able to login to access the system. As a result of relationships with the private sector, CAPYEI has been able to record practical demonstrations via video which shall form part of the learning content on the LMS. The system will also enable students to listen and watch recorded lectures.
Lessons Learnt (Success Factors & Challenges)
Challenges
The lockdown took the Institute and most VTCs by surprise. The initial problem was how to keep the students engaged. Once a simple, workable solution had been identified, challenges arose relating to access to technology and associated costs. The need to accelerate the integration of technology into education is an ongoing one. However, cost remains an issue in vulnerable and marginalised communities. CAPYEI will be exploring ways of overcoming this into the future.
Success Factors
There is no doubt that the benefits of using technology has been one of the most significant learnings for CAPYEI. The success of the shift is reflected in the new thinking that has emerged.
- It has emphasised possibilities for technology driven learning. Social distancing protocols are likely to stay for some time, however there will still be opportunity for classroom training. To maintain student reach, the institute is likely to adopt a blended learning approach.
- CAPYEI has already invested in technology and has a strong MIS department. This will enable further investment and development towards a viable LMS.
- CAPYEI works closely with government-owned vocational training centres (VTCs) to assist in increasing their capacity to be viable, effective training providers. Business surveys revealed that, even prior to the pandemic, they were experiencing challenges. CAPYEI has used the time and and the learning to build this capacity, ensuring that these institutions ‘do not die’, but continue to train youth systems developed.
Moving Forward
With blended learning there are possibilities for new directions which could increase the institution’s scope, such as:
- Reaching out to youth who are currently living in unsafe areas, e.g. war zones that could not be accessed previously;
- Fully engaging young mothers who have to stay at home to look after their young. Adding a technology-enabled approach would mean that they do not have to come to classrooms for extended periods of time;
- Working with refugees who are economically vulnerable and need to work and learn at the same time;
- The Institute is donor funded and therefore has to consider the sustainability of the model, i.e. finding ways to continue, even in the absence of the organisation.
- CAPYEI will continue to find opportunities for students on internships that result in jobs
In essence, there are so many advantages to introducing technology-enabled learning. CAPYEI has been among the first Vocational Training Centre to initiate the blended learning approach.
