From Certificate to First Pay Cheque
Finishing school or a training course is only half of the journey. Many young people in Kibera hold certificates but have never sat through an interview, written a CV that survives a recruiter’s first glance, or met anyone working in the field they are aiming for. Talent is not the shortage here — access, networks and preparation are.
Career Mentorship & Job Readiness pairs young people with mentors who are already doing the work, then adds the practical preparation employers expect: CVs and cover letters, interview practice, workplace communication, digital tools, and honest guidance on choosing a realistic first step.
How You Can Support
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What the Programme Includes
Everything we run is designed to shorten the distance between finishing training and earning a first income:
- One-to-one mentorship with professionals in the field each trainee is aiming for
- CV, cover letter and online profile clinics
- Mock interviews with honest, specific feedback
- Workplace skills: communication, time-keeping, teamwork and professionalism
- Digital and money basics, plus guidance on freelancing and self-employment
Our Approach
We start with an honest conversation about what each young person actually wants and what is realistically within reach, then build a plan around it. Mentors commit to regular check-ins rather than one-off talks, employers and trades people tell us what they genuinely look for, and we keep tracking participants after placement so that a first job becomes a career rather than a short contract.
Our Impact So Far
- Young people matched with mentors in tech, media, trades, health and business
- CVs, portfolios and online profiles built from scratch
- Mock interview sessions run with volunteers from real workplaces
- Participants placed in attachments, internships and first jobs
- Follow-up support that continues well after the first pay cheque