In a heartwarming initiative, Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), led by Dr. Kennedy Odede, is making a significant impact on the lives of students in Mombasa County. Over 500 Form One students from Changamwe, Likoni, Mvita, and Jomvu sub-counties are now granted the opportunity to pursue their academic journey stress-free, thanks to SHOFCO’s scholarships.
Key Points:
- Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), founded by Dr. Kennedy Odede, has provided scholarships to over 500 Form One students in Mombasa County.
- The students, mainly from Changamwe, Likoni, Mvita, and Jomvu sub-counties, will benefit from SHOFCO’s scholarships that have reached over 2000 students nationwide.
- Dr. Odede emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting bright but needy students, stating that education is a powerful tool to fight poverty.
- The SHOFCO founder donated 30 computers in Jomvu Constituency, highlighting the importance of the Ajira Digital program in transforming the lives of youth.
- SHOFCO has enrolled over 4000 youth in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Mombasa County.
- The organization supports women empowerment programs, offering grants to mothers and young women to start or boost their businesses.
- Dr. Odede was joined by Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir and other leaders who lauded SHOFCO’s impactful programs in the county.
- SHOFCO has initiated projects including building community halls, digging boreholes, water distribution, and women empowerment in Mombasa.
A Commitment to Education
Speaking passionately in Jomvu Constituency, Dr. Odede expressed his unwavering commitment to supporting bright but needy students in accessing education. He emphasized the pivotal role education plays in alleviating poverty, stating, “There is no better way to fight poverty than education. In all we do, we must prioritize the education of our children for the sake of their future.”
Moreover, Dr. Odede acknowledged the government’s Ajira Digital program, lauding its transformative impact on the lives of many youths. He highlighted the program’s success in enabling youth to earn income in dollars, showcasing the power of digital skills in today’s global economy.
Empowering Youth through TVET
In addition to the scholarships, SHOFCO has enrolled over 4000 youths in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Mombasa County. Dr. Odede stressed the importance of creating opportunities for the youth, advocating for TVET training as a pathway to open doors for their future.
He stated, “As you complain about what the government should do for you, you must also create opportunities for our children.” The organization is actively involved in empowering young women through grants to start or boost their businesses, contributing to both economic growth and gender equality.
Community Support and Recognition
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir praised SHOFCO’s impactful programs in the county, recognizing the positive influence it has had on numerous lives. Jomvu Member of Parliament Badi Twalib also expressed gratitude for SHOFCO’s support, particularly the donation of 30 computers for the Ajira Digital program.
Building Community Centers for Holistic Development
During his Mombasa tour, Dr. Odede inaugurated two community centers in Changamwe and Likoni sub-counties, a testament to SHOFCO’s commitment to holistic community development. These centers, built at a cost of Sh60 million, offer various services, including libraries, women empowerment programs, gender-based response and prevention offices, and community halls for social functions.
SHOFCO’s Youth Voice Program
SHOFCO’s Youth Voice program is at the forefront of addressing challenges faced by young people in Kenya’s informal settlements and semi-rural areas. Through courses encompassing sports, financial access, training, job placements, and mental health sessions, the organization aims to reach two million youth across Kenya in the next five years.
Dr. Odede highlighted, “Under our Youth Voice program, young people in the informal settlements will have access to dignified work by participating in job training and will be connected to employment opportunities, bursaries, and financial literacy education.”
Driving Economic Empowerment
The Youth Voice program has already reached over 100,000 youth in various counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kakamega, and Siaya. Dr. Odede outlined the program’s future goals, stating, “The project will enhance access to financial services for young people in informal settlements through SHOFCO initiatives that provide credit access and financial literacy education.”
Community Centers and Youth Voice Program:
- Dr. Odede launched two community centers in Changamwe and Likoni sub-counties, built at a cost of Sh60 million, providing various community services.
- The community centers include libraries, women empowerment programs, gender-based response and prevention offices, and community halls for functions.
- SHOFCO’s Youth Voice program aims to reach two million youth in the next five years, offering courses in sports, financial access, training, job placements, and mental health sessions.
- The program focuses on providing dignified work, job training, employment opportunities, bursaries, financial literacy education, and mentorship for economic empowerment.
- Over 100,000 youth in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kakamega, and Siaya counties have benefited from the Youth Voice program.
Overall Impact:
- SHOFCO’s multifaceted approach addresses challenges facing young people in informal settlements and semi-rural areas across Kenya.
- The organization’s commitment to education, empowerment, and community development reflects its mission to bring positive change to the lives of individuals and communities.
