Our Programs
SYSC runs practical, life-changing programs that create jobs, strengthen families, and improve community health.
Construction Skills Training
Eight-month job skills training for youth in masonry, plumbing, welding, carpentry, tile-fitting, roofing and road paving. This is a free, full-time program with apprenticeships and trade certification upon graduation through the National Construction Authority and National Industrial Training Authority. Participants earn a 50% wage and housing during training to support their ability to complete the training. SYSC connects graduates to jobs through partners in the construction industry, and assists trainees seeking to use their skills to start self-employment.
Life Skills & Mentorship
Training and guidance that builds essential life and work skills—such as financial literacy, communication, mental-health awareness, and entrepreneurship—to help graduates thrive as employees, family members, and community leaders. Those pursuing self-employment receive targeted entrepreneurship mentorship.e personal anecdotes to create a more friendly quality.
Reproductive Health Education
Vital education on reproductive health, prenatal, maternal care, safe sex practices, and family planning. SYSC is working in collaboration with Nyeri County and Japan’s International Cooperation Agency to train community health workers for this project, which is helping to reduce preventable mother and infant deaths.
Tailoring and Dressmaking Training
Over six months, cohorts of ~15 participants learn professional tailoring and dressmaking skills. Participants also take part in life skills workshops and learn about business management and entrepreneurship. Many graduating participants start home-based businesses, allowing them to balance childcare needs. Others have started cooperatives together.
Scouts Troop
Scouts fosters leadership, teamwork, confidence, civic responsibility and pride through youth-led community and environmental projects. Our Scouts program also provides free mental health and substance abuse counselling through professional medical volunteers.
Community Drop In Centre
Located in Shauri Yako community, our centre provides a safe place for youth and families to gather and learn. It is a community meeting space, offers a water tank with clean rainwater for community use, a computer lab, and various community programs. It is a vital hub of community life and opportunity here.
Sports & Civic Education
Sports programs develops youth character, collaboration, discipline, self-worth and a sense of community responsibility. Civic education teaches youth about their rights, duties and the importance of active participation in society.
Past Programs
Past community support programs have included music, art, drama, and computer skills. From 2017 to 2020, our informal school improved access to education for an increasing number of children living in informal settlements in Nyeri County who were unable to attend elementary school due to a lack of school spaces, family support, or status. These programs are currently paused due to funding pressures. ​
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, SYSC quickly shifted from training to emergency relief, distributing food, soap, sanitizer, water, and masks to thousands. We used radio outreach for health education, and offered counselling to address domestic violence and mental-health challenges.
