NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 18 – Edukans Kenya has brought together government officials, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, private-sector players and development partners from Kenya and Ethiopia for a forum on green skills and the circular economy in Nairobi.

The September 17, 2026 forum reviewed the achievements, challenges and lessons from the Wear the Green Future programme, which seeks to integrate green skills, circular economy principles and entrepreneurship into vocational training.

Through the programme, Edukans works with TVETs, youth polytechnics and vocational centres to train learners to convert textile waste, plastics and other discarded materials into marketable products.

The programme has reached thousands of learners and supported young people to establish green enterprises.

Speaking at the forum, Nelius Wangare from Kisumu Polytechnic said the development of curricula incorporating textile and green skills was important in promoting circular fashion design and digital skills in training.

“Wear the Green Future is not just about protecting the environment; it is about giving young people relevant skills for today’s economy which enable them to use sustainable textiles with ease and come up with innovations to scale up the greening. When a young person learns to recycle waste into a product that sells, we solve unemployment and pollution at the same time,” said Edukans Kenya Country Director Mary Mugo.

Mugo said Kenya and Ethiopia could benefit from sharing experiences and best practices on the green transition.

The forum also examined green curriculum integration, links between training institutions and industry, and sustainable waste management.

Participants showcased fashion products and other materials made from recycled waste.

The event was attended by Edukans Worldwide Director Petra Van Haren, who joined virtually, Edukans Ethiopia Country Director Gezahegn Lamesa and Advisor to the State Minister at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Labour and Skills Azmera Kebede.

The meeting ended with a stakeholders’ declaration calling for greater participation of women and marginalised groups in the green transition and efforts to address climate change.