JOB HUNTING

THE PROSPECT OF FINDING A FUTURE is crucially tied to finding work, a JOB that will pay enough to minimally pay for the necessities of life - and MORE, if you can get it!

When I first arrived in Kenya in the latter part of 1968 the population was put at approx. 13 million.   Job opportunities were more varied and less academically demanding.     For example with a Primary Certificate of Education one could be accepted for training as a Teacher or even a Nurse, and even more.   Additionally there were many Village Polytechnics which were open to those finishing Primary School, where trades such as Building, Electrical Wiring, Welding, Animal Husbandry and Farming could be learned.   Today it is a different world with a population that has more than trebled, and where Village Polytechnics have all but disappeared, and the Academic Qualifications needed to follow ANY profession has shut out any but the brighter Secondary School student.      Thus more and more are seeking jobs within a rising population, AND greater academic qualification and competition NOW contribute to what has become an Employment JAM.
There IS work to be had, of course, but usually of an unattractive nature such as casual labour; digging ditches, road sweeping and such like, all poorly paid and lacking in hope for the future; the
only recourse for many who drop out of school with no successful certificate.    Indeed there are some attempting these jobs today who have Degrees!

In 1968 fewer attended School; now Education is within the reach, theoretically, of all!!    And job opportunities have not increased noticeably.     The situation NOW, for young people growing up without wealthy parents, that might themselves set their children up in business or employ them themselves, is more and more frustrating and often hopeless.     This is an increasing problem facing our society in Kenya generally.      I wonder if any parent reading this may also be facing the same difficulties when considering how to get their sons and daughters started out in life  - especially those who are at the lower spectrum of academic success such as the 'average' or even less able student.

TESTIMONY FAITH HOMES has faced these advancing problems since they began, in 1969, being responsible for taking in and helping to grow and become independent citizens, orphaned and destitute children from all over the State.     In all the years up to the present we have seen more than
300 children (boys AND girls) come and go, with some 135 currently in residence.     An Average of say between 5 and 8 in any one year complete their education and seek Independence and a JOB.
No big deal, you may say,    True;  it is slow and expensive to take an infant child and bring it up till it can look the world in the face, and ready to stand on its on feet.     For all that we may not have to assist many of our seniors to find a future in any one year, yet it has become harder and harder to find jobs for them.
We are a Registered Charity, but one that is not endowed or funded by government or other sponsor.     We rely on public interest and giving without our Appeals or advertisement.   We have no influential help, and can be said to face the same challenges of any ordinary and helpless parent wondering how to move his/her child on in life.

THIS YEAR we have here, looking actively for employment only TWO young men.
BENSON CHEGE aged 23 has been resident with us since he was 14.   A smart boy in school, he is Graduating this week with a Diploma in Management from The Kenya Institute of Management.   He is very committed and hard working with determination to do well.  
JULIUS ASARIKWA aged 19 has been resident with us since he was 8.     Academically Julius did not do well,  He is not a dull boy, but his gifts are more physical than academic.    He attended Chepterit Polytechnic form 2013- 14, obtaining a Certificate in Building and Masonry (Grade 111).
He has been working this year as an 'on and off' casual for Mwangi Builders Ltd.     But he is currently out of a job being laid off for lack of work by the contractor.    He is a good, hardworking boy, of a quiet and reasonable disposition.

They are only TWO but so far we have not been able to get them settled, and of course we need to see them leave us and be independent since we are a Children's Home, and not really set up to be a home for unemployed young men - there is a queue of young kids waiting to find a refuge here.
Please do remember to pray for us, and our children, children without their own family or relative to assist or help them.     NEXT year we shall have 9 to look out for !!!  Well, we knew from the beginning we would have to be with them in learning to fly and in taking their first flight away from us.  We do not regret.    

IF YOU are in Business, and maybe Management, can I gently entreat you to consider the plight of our young people.     Be kind and compassionate in dealing with their applications for employment.
They need hope, at the least, to believe that one day someone will take the step of asking them in!