Mukuru Promotion Centre among Hilton Global Foundation grant recipients

Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC), a community organization supporting children, youth, and families in Nairobi’s Mukuru settlements, is set to expand its vocational and skills training programs thanks to a grant from the Hilton Global Foundation (HGF).

The philanthropic arm of Hilton Worldwide announced a $5.4 million investment in 18 nonprofit organizations across the globe, marking its largest annual grant portfolio to date.

The funding supports projects that expand career opportunities, equip youth with job-ready skills, reduce food insecurity, and strengthen economic and community resilience.

For MPC, the grant will enhance existing programs that provide practical vocational training and create pathways to sustainable employment for young people in some of Nairobi’s most underserved communities.

“This grant enables us to reach more youth with practical skills and meaningful opportunities,” said Jane Mwangi, Executive Director of Mukuru Promotion Centre.

“It helps young people transition into stable employment while contributing to stronger, more resilient communities.”

The Mukuru settlements, home to tens of thousands of residents, face challenges including high youth unemployment, limited access to education, and systemic barriers to economic mobility.

MPC’s programs aim to address these obstacles through targeted vocational training, mentorship, and career development initiatives that equip young people with both practical skills and the confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.

“HGF’s support comes at a critical time,” Mwangi added. “It allows us to scale our programs, reach more youth, and ensure that each participant has a real chance to build a sustainable future.”

The Hilton Global Foundation’s grant program, part of its Travel with Purpose strategy, also supports organizations across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.

In the Americas, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America will create mentorship and career exploration programs for youth aged 16–25.

In Asia, STREETS International in Vietnam will expand hospitality training for out-of-school youth, including those who have been trafficked or orphaned.

In Morocco, Fondation Marocaine de l’Éducation pour l’Emploi will equip thousands of young people with digital and hospitality skills, while The Felix Project in the United Kingdom rescues surplus food and provides culinary apprenticeship programs for young people facing barriers to employment.

Katherine Lugar, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Hilton and President of the Hilton Global Foundation, emphasized the importance of partnerships in delivering impact.

“Together with this year’s Hilton Global Foundation grantees, we are delivering impact far beyond what any one organization could do alone. The work of these phenomenal organizations will expand access to learning and career opportunities, protect the destinations we love, and ultimately help to build brighter futures and stronger communities.”

For MPC, the grant will directly support the expansion of vocational and skills development programs aligned with local labor market needs.

The initiative is expected to create sustainable pathways to employment, reduce youth vulnerability, and empower Mukuru communities to achieve greater economic stability.

By equipping youth with practical skills, MPC aims to help participants access stable jobs and long-term careers, particularly in sectors such as hospitality and service industries.

The funding also reflects a growing global focus on philanthropic investment in community-led initiatives that build capacity and resilience.

Hilton Global Foundation projects aim to empower young people, strengthen families, and foster economic opportunities across communities in Africa and beyond.

Mwangi said: “HGF’s support allows us to scale our programs and provide more youth with the opportunity to develop skills that can change the trajectory of their lives.”

Since 2019, the Hilton Global Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to organizations worldwide, positively impacting millions of lives.

Its 2026 grants, including support for MPC, demonstrate how targeted investment can drive tangible outcomes for young people and communities, connecting them to meaningful employment opportunities and fostering long-term social and economic development.

Through this partnership, MPC and Hilton Global Foundation are working to ensure that youth in Nairobi’s Mukuru settlements gain practical skills, access opportunities, and the chance to build sustainable futures, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to empowering communities across Africa and globally.