Nearly 20,000 Youths Enroll in IYF’s Free Weekend Academy for Cohort 8
IYF Weekend Free Academy,Cohort 8 of News Students during grand Orientation event at IYF HQs
By Sharon Atieno
The International Youth Fellowship (IYF) has officially launched the 8th cohort of its Free Weekend Academy, bringing together nearly 20,000 young people for a transformative skills training program.
The initiative follows the successful graduation of Cohort 7, reinforcing IYF’s dedication to empowering youth through practical education and mindset transformation.
Speaking during the orientation ceremony at IYF Headquarter, Director of Youth Social Development at the Ministry of Youth Affairs Emily Maina, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing youth empowerment.
“As the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Economy, our mandate is to equip young people with the skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset they need to thrive. While the government plays a central role, we cannot do it alone. That is why partnerships with organizations like IYF are essential in bridging the skills gap and expanding opportunities for Kenyan youth,” she said.
The IYF Free Weekend Academy offers 31 skill-based courses, including Plumbing, Beauty & Hairdressing, Catering, Camera Operations, Computer Packages, Fashion & Design, Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence, Carpentry & Design among others.
The program specifically targets young people, including Form 4 graduates and disadvantaged youth, who face financial barriers to further education.
Since its inception in 2007, the IYF Free Weekend Academy has trained and certified over 60,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to start businesses, secure employment, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
IYF operating on a three-month weekend-based model, the academy allows students to gain practical skills while managing other responsibilities.
Beyond technical training, IYF integrates mindset education and character development into its programs, fostering confidence, discipline and leadership among the participants.
Top-performing students also receive scholarships for further education through a partnership with Mahanaim College, a sister institution.
With youth unemployment at an all-time high, the IYF Free Weekend Academy provides practical solutions to help young people gain skills, become self-reliant, and create employment opportunities. This event marks the largest intake yet, showcasing a scalable model for youth empowerment in Kenya and beyond.
With Kenya’s youth unemployment crisis demanding urgent interventions, IYF continues to offer innovative, accessible, and impactful training programs that prepare young people for the evolving job market.
