Partnerships are crucial in enhancing our skills system especially in the midst of the pandemic we are currently facing which will in turn raise employment levels in the country while at the same time contributing to poverty reduction and economic development, tenets that inspired the development of the Government’s Big Four Agenda.
PLAN International is implementing the Hyundai Dream Centre Project in Kenya through a partnership with NITA and Salvador Caetano Kenya. This is the 7th Dream Centre in the world. The overall goal of the Project is to increase access to demand driven skills and decent jobs for young men and women in Kenya
The Project which commenced in February 2021, is aimed at creating a Centre of Excellence that will not only exist to empower the young people with the advanced knowledge in motor vehicle auto-electrics, but also make it stand out in the entire country as the best and most admired institution for industrial training. The Official Launch of the Hyundai Dream Centre took place on Thursday 24th June 2021, at NITA Athi River Centre.
The Korean Ambassador to Kenya H.E Choi Yeonghan made his first visit to the Centre on 7th October, 2021. The Ambassador was accompanied by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Hon. Simon Chelugui, and the Principal, State Department for Labour, Eng. Peter Tum, who was represented by Secretary Administration, Dr. William Kiprono. Also present at the Visit were PLAN International Country Director Ms. Kate Vorley and Salvador Caetano Kenya Managing Director, Mr. Pedro Campos.
“The automobile industry is a pillar of the global economy and a main driver of macro-economic growth and stability, and technological advancement in both developed and developing countries, spanning many adjacent industries. The core automotive industry (vehicle and parts makers) supports a wide range of business segments, both upstream and downstream, along with adjacent industries. This leads to a multiplier effect on growth and economic development.” remarked the Cabinet Secretary during his speech at the event.
The Chairman, the National Industrial Training Board Dr.Kamau Gachigi as well as Director General Mr. Stephen Ogenga and Management and Staff of the Authority were present during the event.This partnership will be a significant milestone in ensuring that the Authority’s agenda of promoting quality, relevance and inclusivity in education and quality skills development as enablers for socio- economic development and global competitiveness will be achieved ad will supplement the Authority’s sustained push towards the realization of an adequately trained work force for Kenya.