Solar Learning Youth Centers (2020-2023)
Entering working life with solar technology
From 2021 to 2023, together with our Kenyan partner organisation Solar Mtaani, we implemented the pilot phase of Solar Learning Youth Centers. The aim was to enable socially disadvantaged young people to complete vocational training and prepare them for entering the solar sector.
Context and challenges
In state youth centers, the training combined classroom instruction, practical work and personal support. The young people learned the basics of solar technology and applied their knowledge in building solar systems. Through cooperation with solar companies, they gained work experience and made contacts for their entry into the profession.
Over 80 young people
were trained theoretically and practically as solar technicians during the first project phase.
4 solar companies
took part in the training: workshops, taster days and internships were offered.
State licence
After passing the final exam, participants received a state-recognised licence as a solar technician.
How solar training can open the way into working life is shown by the story of Collins Selifano.
Since then, the project has been expanded: solar training is now offered in three youth centers in Kenya. This enables more young people to obtain a state-recognised qualification and gain practical experience in solar companies. In the long term, the training is to become a permanent part of what the state youth centers offer.