Embracing Creative Professions as a Means of Earning a Living
By Simon Mwalimu Cephas
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
As the world continues to advance technologically, the number of unemployed youth keeps rising and this is rising challenges to many a countries globally.
In Kenya and across the coastal region in particular, a growing mindset among young people is that success can only be achieved through formal office employment.
As a result, many dismiss manual jobs, perceiving them as difficult and less prestigious forms of work.
However, with the rapid changes in the world, this perception is being challenged, and the demand for skilled manual labour is steadily increasing.
Ummi Sora, an assistant at I.O.ME 001, an organization under the Kenya Red Cross, has urged youth to break free from the office-job mentality and instead embrace skilled trades for employment opportunities.
“It’s time for young people to appreciate manual jobs. These jobs have been neglected for too long because of the belief that they are tough.
Yet, these are the very jobs with high demand in the market. With the right skills, one can not only employ themselves but also create jobs for others,” she explained.
The assistant went on to highlight some of the most promising fields today, such as carpentry, plumbing, and other trade-related professions.
According to her engaging in these careers not only provides employment but also helps steer young people away from drug abuse.
“We’ve made significant progress so far. More than 5,000 young people have undergone various training programs at our center, and many of them are now thriving in their careers.
I urge more youth to visit our center and explore these opportunities instead of idling in the streets.”
Beyond youth empowerment, she stressed the importance of environmental conservation.
She pointed out the potential value of plastic waste, urging coastal residents to avoid littering and instead collect plastics for recycling.
On the other hand Mike Odhiambo, a laboratory assistant at I.O.ME 001, highlighted the organization’s commitment to nurturing innovation, particularly among students.
“Our center has helped numerous university students who come here to work on their academic projects free of charge.
We provide a platform for research and innovation for anyone interested, regardless of their educational background,” he said.
The laboratory assistant explained that the center is equipped with various machines for tailoring, carving, and conducting engineering and medical research, offering young people an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience.
I.O.ME 001 continues to collaborate with different stakeholders to empower many skilled and unskilled youth in Mombasa County and the coastal region at large.
Looking ahead, the organization plans to expand its reach to other counties to maximize its impact on society.
As technology reshapes industries, skilled trades remain a viable solution to the youth unemployment crisis.
The call is clear: young people must open their minds to new possibilities and seize the opportunities that lie within manual and skilled labor sectors.
