Festive launch Nadharia Vocational Center
November 5, 2024
Recently, the Free to Be Me team was invited to the inauguration of Nadharia Vocational Center in Nairobi. An organization that falls under the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund and focuses on LGBTIQ+ economic empowerment, Nadharia CBO opened its Vocational Center with a number of inspiring speeches, captivating storytelling and also just plain fun!
During the evening they emphasized the importance of the Hivos partnership and laid out ambitious plans for their future. Our deputy program manager Susan held an uplifting speech celebrating the successes of Nadharia and stressing our commitment to their development and future. Speaking from the heart, their Executive Director Alpha recounted their own experiences of social and economic inclusion in a captivating manner addressing the need for safe shelter on the one hand and vocational training on the other.
At the Nadharia Vocational Center LGBTIQ+ youth who were unable to complete their training in college as a result of their gender identity are offered training in a number of disciplines such as auto mechanics and woodwork. Numerous students have already passed state exams and have received their nationally acknowledged certificates. But that’s not all as Nadhira is looking to expand their offering with Graphic Design and Virtual Reality courses to allow students to also enter the digital workplace thereby increasing chances of achieving economic success and inclusion. They are determined to continue being a positive factor in the lives of LGBTIQ+ youth and contribute to their development, economic success, and personal growth. Nadharia’s motto challenges everyone to imagine a world where sexual minorities have safe housing, economic opportunities, mental health support, and digital security and see how we can achieve this together.
