WeLearn
Empowering Green Workforce Development in Rural Kenya
Kenya is transforming its energy sector and rapidly shifting to renewable energy with a target of attaining 100% sustainable energy by 2030. It requires a workforce to fuel this green transition. Education is one of the most critical factors that determines income and social development. In partnership with social enterprise WE!Hub Victoria Limited (WeTu), Siemens Stiftung offers the educational project WeLearn. In the five-week course, school graduates (aiming for at least 50% female participation) receive vocational orientation and technical skills. Talented and motivated participants are given the opportunity to complete an additional ten-day training course and take the exam to become a certified solar technician. Rooted in STEM subjects, the project aims to bridge the skill gap between theory and technical application required for the green economy.
Project
Hands-on minds-on training for a sustainable economy
Siemens Stiftung has launched the educational project WeLearn for school graduates with a focus on girls to broaden their horizon and interest for further training in technical and vocational education. The objective is to introduce rural youth to technical skills required for labor intensive technologies and to strengthen their capacity to take up green jobs in the future.
To implement the project, the internationally operative foundation has joined forces with Kenyan social enterprise WeTu (founded by Siemens Stiftung in 2019). WeTu operates in the Lake Victoria region providing sustainable solutions in the energy, water, mobility, and agriculture sectors.
TVET scholarships for WeLearn graduates
TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Since september 2024, WeLearn graduates have the opportunity to receive a TVET scholarship. The scholarship includes: Tuition fee to study in the nearest TVET college the Siala Technical Training Institute along with financial support for the entire training period.
Often talented and motivated graduates are unable to continue their education due to a lack of financial resources. The scholarship provides targeted investment in vocational training for young people to enable sustainable training.
Sustainable development through practical skills
Training at the WeTu innovation hub
Each training cycle runs over five weeks with sessions held three days a week. These are led by certified WeLearn trainers who bring pedagogical expertise and a deep understanding of the Kenyan school system to the project. At the WeTu water and energy hubs, they offer practical training courses for school graduates. These hubs serve as real-life learning labs, providing students with hands-on experience in practical and technical skills, such as operating solar pumps, charging stations for electric vehicles, and the installation of solar panels. In addition to technical training, participants benefit from training in digital literacy, business, social entrepreneurship, communication, life skills, water and energy science, and problem-solving. The WeTu expert team is entirely composed of local professionals – including women who serve as role models for the participants.
Workforce skills development in rural areas
The WeLearn project contributes to cultivating a proficient and inclusive labor force. It equips the youth from the rural communities with skills that otherwise they will not have the opportunity to hone. The project diversifies the local workforce by offering young women and men the essential skills and career readiness programs required to take on roles in the green evolving sector. A more skilled workforce leads to the growth of local industry segments and ultimately fosters sustainable development. Furthermore, WeLearn supports UN Sustainable Development Goals such as “Quality Education,” “Gender Equality,” and “Climate Action.”
Participants report
“Empowering Girls in Green Technology”: A video provides insights into WeLearn’s training program.
Impact
4
cohorts (17 to 20 participants each) joined the program since 2024
50%
of participants took a career in a technical field after the program
5
scholarships granted for studying at Siala TVET College
16
program graduates certified as “Solar Technician T1-Level”
18
graduates at TVET-College with specialization “Green Energy”
41%
of participants from the first three cohorts entered technical education
>95%
successfully complete the program
49%
female participation across the entire program
WeLearn supports the following UN sustainability goals:
Post Training Opportunities & Pathways
A variety of possibilities with WeLearn
Upon completion of the program, WeLearn graduates have practical skills for technical professions. Many of the first three cohorts continued their education or training in fields such as electrical installation, plumbing, or construction. Sixteen of them were trained as certified solar technicians and are now pursuing opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Some have already found work, while others are waiting for university admissions. One graduate started her own business. The diverse paths taken by the graduates demonstrate the program’s strong influence on the professional future of young people.
A peak inside the WeLearn cohorts
The WeLearn program has proven to be a great success, with an overall 49 percent female participation rate across four cohorts, bringing us very close to our target of 50 percent. Notably, the fourth cohort achieved a remarkable 65 percent female representation, setting a strong precedent for future cycles. A closer look at the WeLearn cohorts reveals powerful individual success stories that highlight the program’s impact on young people’s lives and aspirations.
Elida came to WeLearn still undecided about which course to take after her Form 4 exams. After completing the program, she enrolled at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in September 2024 to earn a diploma in community health nursing.
Zadock originally planned to study mechanical engineering. After completing his WeLearn training, he discovered his passion for electrical systems and decided to change direction. In September 2024, he enrolled at the Siala Technical Training Institute to study for a diploma in automotive engineering. He already holds T1 certification as a solar technician.
Carren graduated from high school in 2019 with the original goal of studying social work. During the subsequent orientation phase, she considered which path to take. After participating in the WeLearn training program, she began working as a hub operator at We! Hub Victoria Ltd (WeTu), where she can apply her technical and interpersonal skills in practice. In addition, she has started her own soap-making business, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit.
Walter was unsure which path to take and had not applied to any universities. After completing his WeLearn training, he enrolled at Mawego National Polytechnic to study for a diploma in construction engineering.
Marvela had originally planned to continue her studies with a diploma in education after graduating from 10th grade, but due to changes in state admission requirements, she was denied admission to teacher training. Unsure of how to proceed, she felt stuck. After completing the five-week WeLearn training program, she decided to train as a plumber at a TVET institution.
Ronaldo chose WeLearn after seeing the transformation in his brother, who participated in the previous cohort of the WeLearn training program. He now plans to study automotive engineering, having originally aspired to earn a degree in education (with a focus on history and geography).
Partner
Contact
Do you want to work with us? Do you have questions?
Project manager
Rebecca Ottmann
rebecca.ottmann@siemens-stiftung.org
+49 174 155 94 83