Africa Initiative for Rural Development

AiRD, in collaboration with the Embu County Department of Health, is advancing efforts to improve access to safe drinking water for vulnerable households. Through the support of P&G, 3,428 boxes of P&G Water Purifiers were distributed for community-level distribution for use in treating drinking water as a strategy in addressing waterborne diseases, enhancing access to clean safe drinking water and also part of the County's preparedness for the coming Elnino rains.

We appreciate P&G for supporting this important WASH initiative and the Embu County Department of Health for partnering with us to bring this intervention closer to communities.

; P&G

Another week,another success story!

From Training to Employment: Doreen Gaki’s Success Story

Meet Doreen Gakii, a young woman whose journey with the Learning for Life programme has turned skills and determination into a new employment opportunity.
After attending our Learning for Life training, Doreen gained valuable skills, knowledge, and confidence that prepared her to take the next step toward her career goals.
Today, we are proud to celebrate her achievement as she begins her new role as a mixologist at the Nest Boutique Hotel

Doreen’s story is a reminder that when young people are given the right skills, opportunities, and support, they can confidently build a brighter future for themselves.

On Saturday, 15th August, our Empowerment Centre AiRD-T Makueni had the privilege of joining the Daughters of the Nation for a meaningful community outreach with elderly members of the community.

Through our cosmetology services—including manicures, nail care, plaiting, and barbering—we brought smiles, confidence, and a sense of dignity to our elders.

The day was also filled with laughter, dancing, and beautiful memories as we celebrated the joy of their youth. We also had an opportunity to mentor and inspire the younger generation, making it a beautiful day of service, connection, and intergenerational learning.

Our Success Stories series continues!

Before joining the Learning for Life Programme, John had completed a Hospitality course but was struggling to find employment.
In February 2026, he participated in the Learning for Life training in Wote, where he gained practical skills in mixology, personal branding, confidence and assertiveness.
Inspired by the training, John approached One Thousand Palms Hotel, presented his certificate and expressed his interest in working with them.
His confidence and determination paid off. John secured a job as a waiter at the same hotel where he trained.
Today, he is earning an income, gaining valuable experience and building his career in hospitality.

John’s story is a reminder that the right skills, confidence and determination can turn an opportunity into a career.

Our success stories continue! Meet another Learning for Life graduate whose journey shows what determination, skills and opportunity can make possible.

Naomi Ageso secured an internship as a Mixologist at Lake Naivasha Crescent Lodge after successfully completing the Learning for Life Programme.

The opportunity has enabled Naomi to put into practice the knowledge and practical skills she gained during the training, while building her confidence in a professional hospitality environment.

With a passion for learning and growing, Naomi hopes to secure permanent employment and continue building her career in the hospitality industry.

Another Learning for Life story of skills, confidence and opportunity.

Our first success story begins here!!
Wendi Njeri is one of the outstanding graduates of the Learning for Life programme whose determination turned training into opportunity.

After completing the programme, Wendi secured a hospitality job at The Cradle Hotels and Lodges in Turkana, taking a bold step by relocating from Nakuru. Equipped with practical skills in customer service, leadership and mixology, she quickly adapted to her new role and has since grown to become in charge of the Mixology section.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that with the right skills, confidence and determination, young people can seize opportunities wherever they arise.

"I never imagined I'd work this far from home, but the programme gave me the courage and skills to chase opportunities wherever they arise. I was even more encouraged because most of the panelists knew about Learning for Life. Today, I am in charge of Mixology here."
— Wendi Njeri, Learning for Life Graduate

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing the stories of young people whose lives and livelihoods have been transformed through our youth empowerment programmes.

We’ll spotlight the journeys of Learning for Life beneficiaries who graduated with new skills, confidence and opportunities to build their futures.

From training to employment and entrepreneurship, these are real stories of resilience, opportunity and impact.

Follow along and meet the young people behind the change.

Yesterday, AiRDT College Makueni, the youth empowerment center of Africa Initiative for Rural Development (AiRD), celebrated the graduation of 11 students who are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to confidently enter the job market.

Congratulations to our graduates as they embark on this exciting new chapter. We wish them every success as they contribute to building stronger, more prosperous communities.