Influence of Lifeskill Training and Mentorship on Youth Empowerment: a Case of Lepta Community Programme for Youth in Mathare Slum, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of life skills training and mentorship on youth empowerment with special focus on LEPTA community perspective. Specifically, the study sought to establish ways in which life skills training influence youth empowerment, to identify how entrepreneurship training influences youth empowerment, to examine the influence of mentorship on youth empowerment and lastly to investigate the influence of internships on youth empowerment. The study was guided by three theories namely: the Dreyfuls model of skill acquisition, the poverty theory and psychological theory of entrepreneurship. The study adopted descriptive research design, the study population comprised of 215 youths who have been trained by the Lepta community between the age of 15 years and 30 years and are or were living within Mathare area and 24 key informants including trainers and staff of Lepta community organization. For the study to achieve the desired sample size, it used 105 students (half the population); owing to the small size of 215 members of the LEPTA Community. Purposive sampling technique was used to get the sample population for trainers and staff; 3 trainers and 2 staff. The sample size was arrived at due to the fact that LEPTA community has a small number of registered members (215). The study was relying on primary data sources and as such, questionnaires and key informant interview guides were be used to collect data. A pilot study was conducted to assess the existing scale and modify it to suit the context of study. Descriptive statistics such as mean were used to analyze the collected data and the results were presented in tables. Additionally, data from the key informant interviews was analyses using content and thematic analysis whereby, themes were developed and the responses grouped according to related themes. The study results showed that life skills training, entrepreneurship training, mentorship and internships influenced youth empowerment. It was recommended that training programs which focuses on empowering the youths technical skills which can be translated into income generating venture. On the life skills and entrepreneurship training programs a follow up structure is recommended so that the participants can be reviewed on the impact of the training and if they can be able to practice the skills gained. Regarding the mentorship program a close follow up and a prompt response from the mentors can go a long way in motivating and inspire the youths to lead a more focused life hence ensure overall empowerment of the youths and also eradication of poverty.