Effectiveness of structured group learning model in enhancing acquisition of selected vocational, employability and lifelong learning skills among the vulnerable youth in Nakuru County, Kenya

The youth regardless of their social background require skills to help them earn a livelihood and participate in National development. Vocational, employability and lifelong learning skills could help out of school youth raise their self-concept and increase their chances to engage in socio economic activities and contribute positively to their personal development. Based on this premise this study intended to introduce Structured Group Based Learning Model (SGLM) and establish its effectiveness in enhancing acquisition of vocational, employability and lifelong learning skills among the vulnerable youth in Nakuru County. Quasi experimental research design with two non-equivalent groups was used on the already constituted vulnerable youth groups. The study involved groups in Molo, Njoro, Subukia and Nakuru East Sub Counties. The target population of the study was (300) constituting 10 vulnerable youth groups in Nakuru County, but the accessible population was only (120) from four groups with characteristics that suited the study. Purposive sampling was used to select four groups of vulnerable youth. The sample size was 60 members drawn from the four groups. Two groups of 30 members each were used for treatment and control. A questionnaire for trainers and trainees was used to collect preliminary data before the training, a questionnaire on challenges encountered during the training while observation check list was used for posttest after the training. The treatment group was trained through SGLM while the control group was trained through traditional methods. Content validity was ascertained by experts from the department. The instruments were pilot tested and a reliability coefficient of 0.89 was obtained. Data obtained from post testing was categorical which was analyzed using descriptive statistic and inferential statistics with the help of a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The categorical data was then transformed to continuous data to enable a t-test for independent samples. Pearson chi square was used to test for association while t-test for independent samples was used test for difference between the training methods used. A significance level of α 0.05 was set for the study. The study found that SGLM had a statistically significant association with acquisition of specific attributes in vocational, employability and lifelong learning skills. However there was no significant association between SGLM and acquisition of some attributes of vocational and lifelong learning skills. The method may be adopted by community trainers and organizations involved in youth empowerment and rehabilitation programs. As it gives a social approach to learning and triggers the development of some aspects of behavioral change in trainees especially the vulnerable youth.