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Java Foundation Calls for Stronger School-Corporate Collaboration
The foundation has launched the KICD-approved Kuza Mentorship Manual to guide mentorship for learners in Grades 6 to 9.
The Java Foundation has called for stronger collaboration between schools and corporates to equip young learners with skills for the future workplace.
The foundation says classroom knowledge needs to go hand in hand with confidence, values, leadership and a sense of responsibility.
The call came during the launch of the Kuza Mentorship Manual at Dagoretti North School, one of the schools supported by the Java Foundation.
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has approved the manual as a guide for mentors working with learners in Grades 6 to 9.
Corporates Can Bring Workplace Experience to Schools
Speaking at the launch, Priscilla Gathungu, Java House Group Chief Executive Officer, said schools need support from the corporate sector as workplace demands continue to evolve.
“Schools are doing a great job imparting knowledge, and they are doing it under enormous pressure. We cannot expect them to prepare our children for the future without help,” said Gathungu.
“Corporates hold a wealth of knowledge earned over years of trial and error, and there is no reason for it to stay in our boardrooms.”
She said the Kuza Mentorship Manual provides a framework for sharing this knowledge with young learners.
“What the Kuza Mentorship Manual does is create a framework for passing valuable knowledge down so that anyone mentoring young minds knows what to cover, how to cover it, and what they learner should walk out with,” she said.
Kuza Programme Focuses on Practical Skills
The manual builds on the Java Foundation’s Kuza Mentorship Programme.
The programme equips learners with practical life skills while expanding access to career, leadership and talent development opportunities.
Through the manual, the foundation seeks to provide mentors with a structured approach to engaging learners and developing skills beyond classroom learning.
Java Foundation Expands Community Investment
The Kuza Mentorship Programme forms part of the Java Foundation’s wider community investments.
The foundation also partners with Food For Education to provide daily hot and nutritious lunches to more than 3,000 schoolchildren.
Beneficiary schools include Dagoretti North School and Ngunyumu School in Korogocho. Kibos School for the Blind in Kisumu also benefits from the initiative.
Through these programmes, Java Foundation continues to support education and community development while creating opportunities for young people.
Founded in 1999, Java House has grown into one of East Africa’s leading casual American diner-style restaurant brands. The company has 111 outlets across 18 cities in three East African countries.
Through the Java Foundation, the company also supports responsible sourcing, farmers, local artists and school feeding initiatives.
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