Graduands, family members and relatives during the International Youth Fellowship’s eighth graduation ceremony at the organisation’s Nairobi campus in Nairobi on June 29, 2025.
Over 12,000 youth were awarded certificates over the weekend in
various short courses alongside mindset training after undergoing the
International Youth Fellowship (IYF) three-month training.
The graduates, beneficiaries of the IYF Free Weekend
Academy, were accompanied by their relatives and friends during the graduation
that took place at the IYF’s Nairobi campus.
6,000 youth graduated on Saturday, while 6,000 others were
awarded their certificates on Sunday due to the large numbers, owing to the fact
that those who accompanied the graduands were equally many.
Youth CS Salim Mvurya said the graduation was a momentous occasion, not only to award certificates, but also a forum to appreciate growth, resilience,
and transformation.
“The youth form the backbone of our society, representing the present and future, hence a great inspiration,” Mvurya stated in his written
speech read by Youth Affairs PS Fikirini Kahindi.
Mvurya said the graduation ceremonies marked significant
milestones and the sheer numbers that experienced a mindset shift, technical skills and equally represent a broader journey of youth empowerment and
development in the country.
“I’m cognizant that IYF began as a dream in the hands of Pastor
Ock Soo Park, a dream for a better world where youth sleep in happiness and
wake up in hope. Today, this vision is a reality as witnessed through the accomplishments exhibited in the eyes of young men and women before us,” he said.
He said IYF had become a benchmark on how government and
civil society can collaborate for the greater good.
“IYF Free Academy has become a model of what true
empowerment should look like. It equips youth with practical, demand-driven skills, while instilling values that build character, whether it’s plumbing, beauty and hair dressing, computer programming, paramedics training, music, or taekwondo. Each course witnesses talent, discipline and self-confidence,” Mvurya said.
The CS said the Youth Social Directorate, through which the partnership is conducted, champions mentorship and leadership initiatives.
He said the mindset training had made the balance, as it had
given hope to an otherwise desperate demographic of society.
“The skills and talents acquired by the youth have changed
their fortunes. Anything is possible for those who believe and work towards it,”
Mvurya said.
IYF Free Weekend Academy program runs for three months, with
weekend classes, and offers about 31 skill-based courses, providing young
people with practical skills and knowledge to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial
prospects.
Upon completion, students receive certificates, and top
performers get scholarships to further their education.
The students are taken through a mind education program
designed to empower individuals with life skills and mindfulness. It includes
various formats, such as keynote lectures, group projects, and counselling sessions.
Themed “Mind Heart Soul,” the ceremony underscored
the holistic approach adopted by IYF in nurturing young talent. Graduates were
awarded certificates in various fields, including leadership, entrepreneurship,
and character development.
Rev Yohan Kim, the chairperson of IYF, Kenya, urged those who graduated not to relax and instead, either take other courses in the coming season 9, slated for August this year or enrol for diploma and degree programs
in various universities and colleges across the country.
Kim encouraged the graduates to make good use of the skills
they had acquired.
“Yes, skills and education are important. Training is essential. However, without foundations that are right, strong and with the
right mindset, we aren’t going anywhere,” he said.
PS Fikirini said that as a government, they would continue
collaborating with IYF to ensure that relevant programs reach the youth across
the country.
He urged the graduates to ensure that they make good use of
the labour mobility program, and if need be, they should also make good use of theyouth fund when it comes to the movements that arise as a result of such a
program.
The International Youth Fellowship (IYF) is a global youth organisation focused on mindset transformation and soft skills development.
It aims to raise leaders with a global perspective through education and activities, while also providing practical solutions to global issues. IYF’s work includes skills training, mindset education, and character development, fostering confidence, discipline, and leadership in young people.