RABUOR, Nyando – STADA Vocational Training Centre (VTC) celebrated its first historic graduation, with 11 young mothers who successfully completed a fully funded hairdressing training program with outstanding results under the CRIF program.
During the inaugural ceremony marked with pomp and colour on Monday 8th December, with the theme of Empowering Youth for Sustainable Livelihood, of the 11 graduates, an extraordinary nine achieved First-Class passes while two earned Ordinary passes in the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) examinations, a clear testament to their determination and the quality of training provided.
Dr Richard Amani, who was the chief guest, said that the learning institution was established to restore hope and provide economic independence to young mothers who face significant societal and economic challenges.
STADA VTC, he noted, has in its very first cohort demonstrated the life-changing power of vocational skills.
“Most graduates now plan to start their own salons and beauty-related businesses, turning learned skills into sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their children,” Dr Anami lauded the students’ concerted effort.
“These young mothers arrived feeling that life had closed every door. Today they walk out with skills in their hands, confidence in their hearts, and the power to create opportunities not only for themselves but for their children.”
Founder Patricia Orawo, STADA VTC Founder and Centre Director, said that the graduation is proof that their investment in young mothers serves entire families and communities.
According to Ms Orawo, some of the courses that are currently being offered at STADA include Hairdressing Beauty Therapy, Solar PV Installation, Entrepreneurship and Computer Literacy.
She further added that the centre was founded in Kisumu under STADA KENYA with a laser focus on addressing issues about young mothers. It combines technical training with Life-Skills Development, Psychosocial Support, and Business Incubation.
At the centre, barriers such as training fees and childcare responsibilities, have been waived to enable students to fully concentrate on their studies.
“The 2025 graduation represents the centre’s first major milestone since its establishment in early 2025,” she proudly said.
One of the beneficiaries, Miriam Atieno, a 23-year-old young mother with a First-Class Pass, narrated how she became a mother at 19, shortly after completing high school.
“STADA has not only transformed my life but also my child’s life. This has become the family I have always wished for. These skills will truly change our future,” Miriam added as she received recognition for her outstanding performance.
Lilian Akinyi (24), a young mother who had her first baby at 22 years old, achieved the same feat despite having faced rejection alongside her peers, both within their families and in their community. Today, she is a happy person as she has risen above all odds and become her family’s beacon of hope.
Crowning the moment was Syprose Akinyi, a 17-year-old young mother who became a mother at 15 while she was in Class Seven. This unexpected incident, however, forced her to drop out of school with no opportunity to return.
Having attained her First Class Pass, Syprose is a true example of a young woman who refused to let teenage motherhood define them as she represents strength, resilience, and hope to her peers.
Today, she proudly graduates with a First-Class. She is a true example of a young woman who refused to let teenage motherhood define them. Syprose represents strength, resilience, and hope.
