Mission
Malengo’s Kenya–Germany Vocational Training Program for Refugees prepares refugees based in Kenya who hold a high school diploma (e.g. KCSE, UACE, CSE) or Ugandan Certificate of Education (UCE) for admission to a vocational training program as a nurse or nurse assistant in Germany. The goal of the program is to provide training and the opportunity for a prosperous future in a high-income country.
What is Vocational Training in Germany?
Germany has a long-standing tradition of vocational training called Ausbildung. Vocational training takes 1–3 years and prepares students for a specific job, such as nurse, nurse assistant, or kindergarten teacher. During the training, students attend school part-time and work part-time in a training organisation (such as a hospital, senior living facility, or kindergarten) to learn the job both theoretically and practically. At the end of the vocational training, students pass a theoretical and practical exam and receive a diploma which is recognized in many parts of the world.
During the vocational training, students receive a salary of €600–1,500 per month, which is sufficient to cover basic needs such as housing, food, and transport.
Malengo’s program focuses on healthcare-related and education-related vocational training programs, such as nurse, nurse assistant, and kindergarten teacher.
The vocational training is conducted in German language, which is the language of instruction in schools, and the language of communication in the training organisation.
Germany is currently facing a shortage of skilled labor, which is predicted to increase in the coming years. The country is therefore actively seeking foreign talent; for example, Germany signed labor agreements with the Kenyan government in 2024.
For this reason, vocational diplomas offer good job opportunities in Germany. Graduate salaries range from around €2,000/month for nurse assistants to €3,600/month for nurses.
German Vocational Training Programs require that students hold level B2 (upper-intermediate) of German language skills when they enter the program.
What does Malengo offer to its selected scholars?
The primary goal of Malengo’s program is to make vocational training in Germany accessible to refugees based in Kenya who currently do not speak any German.
The program begins with one year of intensive German language training in Kenya. Towards the end of that year, you will apply for a vocational training position in Germany. If your application is successful, you will then complete 1–3 years of vocational training in Germany. During this time, you receive a modest salary from your training organisation that is sufficient to cover living expenses. At the end of the program, you will be qualified as a nurse, nurse assistant, or kindergarten teacher in Germany, and will be able to apply for jobs there.
Specifically, the program includes:
- One year of intensive German language classes up to level B2. Classes will take place in-person in Kenya from March 2025 to March 2026
- Support in applying to vocational training programs of your choice in nursing and kindergarten teaching
- Help in applying for and obtaining a vocational training visa for Germany
- A pre-departure orientation seminar to prepare for life in Germany
- Assistance in finding accommodation in Germany
- Financial support that fully covers the cost of language classes (including accommodation and living expenses), applications, visa fees, and travel costs (including flight ticket)
- A network of mentors to support scholars in both Kenya and Germany
- Professional psychosocial and legal support if needed
- Connection to other scholars and a broad network of support for social activities and friendship
Selection and Program Timeline
Students are selected in a competitive process consisting of an online application and an online interview. The primary criteria for selection are academic excellence, limited financial means, and motivation to make the most of the opportunity to do vocational training in Germany.
Once you become a Malengo Scholar, you will be expected to take a year-long intensive residential German language course until you reach level B2 of German language proficiency. You will be expected to sit for an exam and, if successful, be issued a B2 certificate by a recognized exam body. The cost of the language course, including accommodation and living expenses, are covered by Malengo.
Toward the end of your language training, you receive support in selecting a vocational program of your choice in Germany from our list of eligible programs (nurse, nurse assistant, and kindergarten teacher). Malengo will also pay for your application fees.
After being admitted to a vocational training program of your choice, Malengo supports you in applying for a visa (including paying for the fees), finding housing, organizing travel, and starting your training program. We also provide an orientation seminar before departure to prepare you for your new adventure.
During your studies
Your training organization in Germany will pay you a modest salary during your vocational training that is sufficient to cover your living expenses. While you are studying, our network of staff and mentors will support you. We provide help with everyday issues like dealing with authorities, and adapting to life in Germany. If necessary, we provide psychosocial and legal support. And finally, our network is a place for social activities and friendships.
After your studies
Malengo does not have rules or expectations about what you do after you finish your vocational training program. We will support you as best we can in whatever you decide to do. This might include continuing to further studies; finding a permanent job in Germany; returning to Kenya; or moving to a third country. The Malengo team and our network of mentors are always there to support you with advice.
Financing
The program is financed by an income share agreement. This means that participation is initially free of charge for you. Once you earn a sufficiently high income, you will be asked to contribute a share of your income back to Malengo for a limited period of time. Students who are not successful in securing a high-paying job are exempted from payments. Details of the income share agreement will be shared with successful applicants.
Who can apply?
You are eligible for the program if:
- You are between 18 and 25 years old as of December 31st, 2024
- You are a registered refugee currently living in Kenya (you must have proof of registration, such as a refugee identity card, asylum-seeker pass, or proof of registration document)
- You have a high school diploma from any country (e.g. KCSE, UACE, CSE). The Ugandan UCE certificate is also accepted.
- You are available full-time for the one-year intensive residential German language course, followed by 1–3 years of full-time vocational training in Germany. You will have to move from your current residence to begin the program in March 2025.
- You have not yet completed a vocational training program, diploma course or Bachelor’s program
The Application Process
Here is our application process, step by step:
- Step 1: Application
To apply, you must fill in an online form (link below), which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. You will need digital copies of the above documents to complete it. The application deadline is December 31st, 2024, 11:59 pm Nairobi time. - Step 2: Interview
The next step in the selection process is an interview. If your application proceeds to this round, you will receive a message with a date and time for your interview. - Step 3: Offers
Decisions will be announced soon after the interviews. If you are selected, you must be available for the following: A potential home visit by Malengo staff during the week of January 27th, 2025. A physical onboarding workshop between February 10th and 17th, 2025, where we will provide details about the Income Share Agreement we are offering. We will also notify you if we are unable to offer you a spot. - Step 4: Program Start
The program will begin in March 2025. You must be in Kenya by this date and available to participate in the program full-time. Your living expenses and travel will be covered.
MALENGO DOES NOT ASK FOR MONEY FROM STUDENTS OR ANYONE ELSE DURING THE APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS. IF YOU COME ACROSS ANYONE ASKING FOR MONEY TO HELP YOU APPLY, PLEASE REPORT IT BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO [email protected] OR CALL OR WHATSAPP US AT +256 775 085112.
How to apply
If you have questions, please contact us by email at [email protected].