Don Bosco Boys Town becomes country’s first Amazon Web Services Digital Academy member

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Boys Town, located in Nairobi, has become Kenya‘s first Amazon Web Services (AWS) Digital Academy member institution. The launch event held Sept. 10 marked a significant step forward in cloud skills training and certification in the region.

A Salesian explained, “As an AWS Digital Academy member institution, Don Bosco Boys Town is now authorized to offer digital literacy cloud skills training and certification, potentially opening new avenues for youth employment in the rapidly growing tech sector.”

The launch ceremony was attended by key figures from both government and private sectors. During the event, the Salesian vice-provincial in East Africa presented an overview of the organization’s global presence, emphasizing its commitment to youth skill development. The partnership between Amazon, Thin Tech and Don Bosco Boys Town is expected to create new opportunities for digital skills training in Kenya.

A Salesian noted, “As the first AWS Academy in Kenya, this initiative is poised to play a crucial role in bridging the digital skills gap and preparing the country’s workforce for the demands of the modern digital economy. The success of this program could set a precedent for similar initiatives across the African continent.”

Don Bosco Boys Town provides education and technical skills training to former street children. Students who complete their primary education are then assisted with secondary education or are advised to choose technical training in sister institutions. The secondary education is most often provided at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School in the town of Embu, northeast of Nairobi.

According to the World Bank, more than 7.8 million people in Kenya are living in extreme poverty, with the majority in rural areas. There are approximately 6.6 million people living on less than $1.90 a day in rural regions, while 1.1 million extremely poor people live in urban areas. Overall, the poverty incidence declined in recent years, but at a lower rate in urban areas than rural ones.

Youth living in Kenya’s larger cities like Nairobi are at risk for exploitation, forced labor and other abuses. Few attend the later stages of school as compared to those living in Kenya’s more rural areas. The few schools serving this disadvantaged community are beyond the financial means of most families.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Kenya – Don Bosco Boys Town: Kenya’s First AWS Digital Academy Launched

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya