PATRIZIA Vocational Training
Center Alego
In western Kenya, near the port city of Kisumu on Lake Victoria, lies Alego Nyang’oma – a place of special significance for the Obama family. Barack Obama’s father and Dr. Auma Obama come from this region. In 2018, the PATRIZIA Vocational Training Center Alego was officially opened here in the presence of the former U.S. President. The facility was established in collaboration with the Sauti Kuu Foundation, led by Dr. Auma Obama.
The Dr. Obama Foundation, Sauti Kuu, operates the Vocational Training Center, whose development was supported by the PATRIZIA Foundation. With its Children’s Learning Center, the foundation provides an extracurricular learning space for children and young people between the ages of four and 25.
Students from nine partner schools in Alego can come here to learn. They are introduced to cognitive, affective, and psychomotor methods to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and imagination, and to experience self-efficacy. The goal is to support the children and their families in improving their living conditions using locally available resources, thereby enabling them to realize their full potential.
The vocational training center on the campus of the Sauti Kuu Foundation offers young people a one-year orientation course before they begin their actual training. This course allows them to explore different fields, discover their interests, and make a conscious, motivated career choice – not out of necessity, but out of conviction. With access to books and learning materials, personal development workshops, sports activities, and reliable structures, they are empowered to confidently pursue an independent path. Sustainable agriculture is taught in the foundation’s own vegetable garden.
“As a guest at the opening ceremony, Barack Obama impressively demonstrated the importance of the facility for the entire region.”
Astrid Gabler
Chairwoman of the Board
Ready for the Future: Digital Education Initiative for Sustainable Change
The COVID-19 pandemic clearly demonstrated the importance of preparing children and young people for self-directed digital learning. In response, the PATRIZIA Foundation developed the “Ready for the Future” concept. It supports partner organizations in creating child-centered digital education formats that ensure and advance the learning process, even in times of crisis. The PATRIZIA Foundation plans to support Sauti Kuu with training programs and high-quality digital equipment for the Children’s Learning Center. Because modern, child-centered learning – that also means digital learning.
A central component of the project is the training of teachers. In the “Train-the-Trainer” module, they are trained in the use of child-appropriate teaching methods and practical classroom techniques – always with the child’s perspective in mind. Sensory perception, imitation, exploration, and orientation take center stage. Child-centered teaching and learning strategies play an important role in the development of children’s academic and overall intellectual abilities, helping them to acquire critical and independent thinking skills.
Another goal of the project is the development of child-friendly information and communication technologies that enable free, flexible, and intelligent learning. Reusable learning materials and exercises based on the “Essence of Learning” concept help children overcome learning difficulties, build digital skills, and strengthen their motivation to learn. These materials can also be used at home – either independently or together with siblings and parents. In this way, not only is self-directed learning promoted, but the connection between school and home is also strengthened.
This comprehensive project has the potential to fundamentally transform the way children in the project area learn – laying the foundation for a better future for thousands of children! They are supported in their personal development and acquire valuable skills that empower them to lead independent and fulfilling lives. The impact of this project extends far and wide, creating lasting positive change in the region. Your donation can help make this vision a reality for the children and young people of Alego!
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