From 23rd to 26th September 2025, Nyandarua National Polytechnic (NyNP) hosted a four-day training and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment targeting 14 Out-of-School Youth (OSY) under the ASEC Project’s Skills Development and Certification component. The exercise aimed to equip the youth with practical skills and formal recognition in Agricultural Extension and Farm Machinery Operation, thereby enhancing their employability and capacity for agripreneurship.
The activity combined both theoretical and practical sessions, assessing participants based on their prior field experience while providing additional training to meet required competency standards. Key focus areas included crop advisory techniques, farmer engagement, and the operation and maintenance of farm machinery. Hands-on training and assessments were conducted using well-functioning equipment, allowing the youth to demonstrate and refine their technical abilities.
By the end of the exercise, all 14 participants had successfully completed the training and assessment. The process not only boosted their confidence but also positioned them for greater opportunities within the agricultural sector—whether through employment in extension services or through self-driven enterprise.
Despite the success, the facilitators noted a few challenges, including the need for additional literacy support for some participants during theory-based assessments and limited time for individualized coaching. Nonetheless, the initiative marked a significant step toward recognizing and formalizing the skills of out-of-school youth, aligning with ASEC’s broader goal of promoting inclusive skills development and certification.
The RPL and training initiative under ASEC provided a critical pathway for recognizing and enhancing youth skills, contributing to their employability and self-reliance in agriculture.