As the world marked the World Tourism Day in September, local chain of hotels, PrideInn, unveiled its commitment to empower youth from Nairobi’s informal settlements through hospitality industry training, mentorship and eventual employment.
The hotel’s plan which kick off this month coincides with this years’ theme “Tourism and Jobs” that seeks to increase awareness on the value of tourism and the environment as key sectors directly contributing to creating job opportunities, economic resilience, social inclusiveness and the wellbeing of society.
“This initiative supports PrideInn’s sustainability and social impact commitment of empowering through opportunity. It seeks to reach and give opportunity to the very needy slum youth who have passion but lack the chance and proper mentorship. The intention is to unlock their potential in hospitality and tourism industry,” said Mr. Hasnain Noorani, managing director PrideInn Group of Hotels.
Working in partnership with other local stakeholders, the initiative is targeting at least 100 young underprivileged people per year with an aim to help prepare them join the labour market within hospitality industry regardless of their background or level of experience.
The Program beneficiaries will undergo six months of rigorous training in different departments within the hotel in Nairobi and Mombasa, after which they will be absorbed and others linked with partner employers within the hospitality industry.
We strongly believe in our commitment to empowering young people and supporting them to develop invaluable skills
“This ambitious scheme is to find and nurture the wealth of talent that currently lies untapped in the slums of Nairobi. We strongly believe in our commitment to empowering young people and supporting them to develop invaluable skills that are critical in today›s dynamic economic environment will bear fruits,” added Mr Hasnain.
Jobless youth in Kenya are missing out on much more than just an income. They don’t enjoy the other benefits employment can provide such as a sense of belonging, self-worth and confidence, and the ripple effect through to their families and communities.
“By training young people on employability skills and connecting them with jobs, we shall be partially helping solve the skills gap and unemployment problems that exist among the youth especially in the very low income areas,” said Nicholas Ochieng, Group Human Resource Manager for PrideInn.
According to a survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), seven million Kenyans are unemployed. Out of these, 1.4 million have been desperately looking for work.
The 2018 report also showed that nine in every 10 unemployed Kenyans are 35 years and below, with the largest unemployment rate recorded in the age cohort 20–24, at 19.2%.
This years’ World Tourism Day event seeks to address global challenges outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in reaching
these goals.
