By Waren Christopher
The county government of Kisumu’s officials and a delegation from Germany officially opened a German language corner at the Kisumu national library on Wednesday morning, in a significant step toward international cooperation and youth empowerment.
The event was presided over by Mayor of Gersthofen Michael Worle and John Awiti, the Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for education, technical training, innovation, and social services.
The initiative was touted as a cornerstone of a broader three-year partnership aimed at linking Kisumu’s skilled but underemployed youth with job opportunities in Germany.
“The Germans have realized that we have the skills here,” announced Awiti during the opening.
“They are an aging society with a shortage of youths to take up normal jobs. They have identified that we have a surplus of skilled young people who can fill those roles.”
A recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will also establish a German language center, initially piloted at a rotary facility.
“During your training in whatever field, at your free time you can go to be taught some basic German language,” Awiti explained, noting the program is open to all skilled and interested individuals.
The newly opened German space at the library will serve as a vital resource hub for learners.
While an initial batch of books is already available, a larger consignment from the German Embassy in Nairobi is expected soon. The county has also requested e-books to facilitate digital learning for a larger number of residents.
The collaboration extends beyond employment, encompassing infrastructure projects like water development in Chulaimbo, Kisumu West.
The county government has confirmed that for the first year, the German language classes will be offered free of charge.