Don Bosco Shines at the WorldSkills Kenya National Competition

Kenya held its second national WorldSkills competition from August 19 to August 23, 2024, in preparation for the WorldSkills Africa Competition, which will be held in Livingstone, Zambia, in April 2025. The event saw 119 young people from 49 TVET institutions and universities competing in 21 skill areas, including Information Network Cabling, CNC Turning, Mobile Applications Development, IT Software Solutions for Business, Welding, Wall and Floor Tiling, Autobody Repair, Plumbing and Heating, Electronics, Electrical Installations, Bricklaying, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Fashion Technology, IT Network Systems Administration, Cyber Security, Water Technology, Cooking, Restaurant Services, Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering CAD.

Don Bosco TVET institutions in Kenya were well represented by Don Bosco Boys’ Town Technical Institute, Karen and Don Bosco Technical Institute, Kakuma. Their trainees participated in Electrical Installations and Plumbing and Heating, with Don Bosco Boys’ Town winning gold medals in both skill areas. Additionally, a Don Bosco Kakuma trainee was honoured with the Gem Award, a prestigious recognition for Competitors coming from most marginalized communities. This victory is a significant milestone for Don Bosco, demonstrating its pivotal role in shaping the future of Africa’s skilled workforce. It’s a celebration of its mission to transform lives through skills development.

Skills competitions are vital as they provide a platform for trainees to showcase their expertise, creativity, and innovation, boost confidence and produce high-quality work that meets the WorldSkills International standards. These events also highlight the significance of vocational and technical training in today’s economy, encouraging more youth to pursue technical careers and contributing to developing a competent and highly skilled workforce.

Don Bosco Tech Africa played a key role in the competition’s planning and execution. DBTA’s deputy director, Br. John Njuguna, was the leader of the technical committee and the Skills Competition Manager.