MasterCard Foundation

Exposure visit
A female student during practical training
Computer class in session
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Project Brief

The MasterCard Foundation is a global, private foundation based in Toronto, Canada. The Foundation advances youth learning and promotes financial inclusion to catalyze prosperity in developing countries, particularly in Africa.

The project was implemented based on the Basic Employability Skills Training (BEST) model, which brings together various components including training, mentorship, field visits, internships, and enterprise and job placement to address transitional pathways for disadvantaged youth.

With the outstanding performance of phase one, MasterCard Foundation renewed the contract for CAP YEI for a further five years.

Expected Outcomes

  • The first phase (2011-2016) of the project targeted to reach a total of 10,000 youth both directly and indirectly (through capacity building).

  • The second phase (2016-2022) targeted to reach 23,000 youth in Kenya through direct training in both demonstration and replication centres, and 39,000 youth indirectly through capacity building of TVET partner institutions and staff.

Achievements

  • The first phase (2011-2016) reached about 14,000 Kenyan youth, who were assisted to secure livelihood opportunities, with a successful livelihood transition rate of 88%: average job absorption of 78% and 10% supported to start small businesses.

  • As of April 2021, the second phase (2016-2022) trained 14 cohorts across its centres with 20,545 youth directly enrolled, with 20,342 completing training. An additional 31,819 youth were reached indirectly through Capacity building training in partnering institutions. The project will likely surpass its targets.

  • Phase two insights show that 56.4%, 31.5%, and 5% transitioned into wage employment, self-employment (entrepreneurship), and mixed livelihood (employment + self-employment), respectively – with an additional  7.1% using the skills to further their education.

Success Stories