Building Access.
Bridging Gaps.

Building Youth Powered Pathways Between Kenya and Washington State

 

The Challenge

Kenya’s future depends on its young people, yet too many lack access to practical skills, digital literacy, mentorship, and clear pathways to opportunity. Each year, more than one million youth enter the workforce without job ready skills, while employers continue to report a growing skills mismatch. With nearly 75 percent of the population under age 35, the urgency to invest in relevant education, workforce readiness, and youth leadership has never been greater.

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In coastal regions such as Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale, young people face additional barriers including limited access to training infrastructure, technology, professional networks, and global exposure. At the same time, students in Washington State are seeking meaningful global connections, cultural understanding, and real world problem solving experiences that prepare them to lead in an interconnected world.

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"In Mombasa and across the coastal region, too many young people face the same frustrating challenge where they have the drive to work, but not the opportunities to match their potential. Youth unemployment remains high, and for many, the promise of a stable job feels just out of reach."

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Our Mission

Ujenzi Foundation empowers youth in coastal Kenya and Washington State through cross cultural mentorship, practical skills training, digital literacy, and youth led innovation. We connect students across borders to learn together, build together, and lead together, strengthening global citizenship while advancing local economic opportunity.

We believe youth voice is essential to sustainable development. Young people are not beneficiaries of change, they are architects of it.

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Why It Matters

When youth are trusted with voice, equipped with skills, and connected to opportunity, entire communities thrive. Ujenzi Foundation is building bridges between continents, classrooms, and communities so the next generation can shape a more just, innovative, and connected future.

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