SAJILONI GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL IN KAJIADO COUNTY

Truly the Sawazisha Gumzo program continues to impact more lives day in day out. In partnership with Spread Truth Africa and Ilaramatak Community Concern, National Youth Council undertook a mentorship program on various issues affecting teenagers at Kajiado County. The partnership oversaw mentorship on early pregnancies, early marriages, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) at Gen. Nkaisserry High School. Another school that received the mentorship is Enkorika Secondary.

According to Council Ceo, Mr Roy Sasaka Telewa, the Sawazisha Gumzo program has empowered and created awareness amongst teenage girls on early marriages, FGM, and teenage pregnancies to eradicate the menaces in the community. Mr Telewa and Ms Wairimu have continued to advocate for the end of FGM among teenage girls. FGM is harmful to practise that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The practice has no benefit to women and girls.

In addition, the Sawazisha Gumzo program oversaw girls’ graduation after eight weeks of the FGM curriculum session. The girls were awarded a certificate of completion and recognition. Besides, the girls were awarded dignity packs to facilitate their personal needs while in school. In support of Healthy Youth, 2 tonnes of food was distributed. Significantly, Kanze Dena, the government Spokesperson, graced the awarding ceremony and climax of the mentorship program. Through her life experiences, she mentored girls on values such as discipline, hope, and hard work. This has helped her to be the person she is currently.

1st Annual Consultative Dialogue of African Youth Leaders

The African Youth Union held the first annual consultative young leaders’ dialogue held in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco from 21st-22nd July 2022 in the presence of Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Moroccan Minister of Culture.

 

Countries such as Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia have all previously hosted this youth union.

 

Morocco was given the honor of hosting this edition in the capital after extensive negotiations with the African Union (AU) were carried out by the minister in January.

 

The event attracted more than 150 youth leaders and ministers from 49 different African nations, including the youth ministers of Kenya, Madagascar, and Botswana.

 

The consultative dialogue was held at a particular time for PYU as its union celebrated its 60 years of rallying and amplifying the youth voice regionally and internationally.

The objective of the Pan African Youth Union is to gather and mobilize young Africans on all continents to realize the ideals and strategies of the AU, including unity, peace, democracy, sustainable development and African integration.

The role of the AU and its priorities were underlined by Mr Bensaid and all the representatives.

Since the adoption of the AU agenda in 2063, the heads of state and government had emphasized the need for a commitment and responsible youth capable of driving and taking charge of African indigenous development.

The PYU thematic areas discussed were: Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability; Peace and Security; Migration; Skill development: entrepreneurship, education and youth employment; Health and Lifestyle; Economic Inclusion and Africa Continental Free trade Area; and Youth Development and institutional capacity.

The first plenary session was convened themed: Consolidating our gains: Forging Partnerships Towards the African Renaissance  which was moderated by Mr. Roy Sasaka, CEO of National Youth Council Kenya.

 

The meeting was geared to deliberate with leaders of National Youth Councils, Regional Organizations, and Youth-Led Civil Society organizations across Africa to consolidate the common ground for experience-sharing and discussion and reflect the aspirations of African Youth.

Among the vital issues recommended to be addressed through collaboration and synergies included illegal migration, border conflicts, and market issues. Other areas which were discussed included: (i)Reengineering Africa’s Socio-economic construct; changing mindset to guarantee youth the #theAfricaWeWant (ii)Renewing our commitments towards a resilient and progressive Africa and  (iii)Towards a Common Future: Consolidating partnerships, connecting and transforming through the youth.

Also in attendance was CAS National Treasury and Planning Mr. Eric Wafukho,  Secretary of Youth Affairs in the State Department for Youth Affairs, HSC, Mr. Raymond Ochieng, Libyan Minister of Youth, African Peer Review Management Organization chief of staff advocate Mr Batlokoa and Deputy of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Madagascar, Ms. Juliana Tahina Ratovoscon.

9TH AFRICA SCOUT YOUTH FORUM

The 9th Africa Scout Youth Forum was held on 21st-24th August 2022 at Don Bosco Youth Educational Services. In partnership with the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), the world’s leading educational youth movement will represent over 57 million members from 172 million countries and territories while the 18th Africa Scout Conference will also take place from 25th–28th August in Nairobi, Kenya.

The event brought together over 200 delegates from National Scout Organizations , partners, invited guests and other participants from Africa and across the world.

The day started with a welcoming session that was kicked off by a moment of meditation after-which the Youth Advisors welcomed participants and took them through the working methods of the forum.

In line with this year’s theme, Shaping Connected Futures in the context of Youth and Leadership, it highlights the desire the movement has to support young people to reimagine a future where their dreams and aspirations are intertwined individually and collectively with the prosperity of each other and sustainability of the planet.

The National Youth Council CEO, Mr Roy Sasaka Telewa acknowledged the synergy between the Kenya Scouts , Scouting Africa and Scout leaders in inspiring young people to create a better world where they may achieve their potential and contribute positively to their community.

 

THE MERU YOUTH SERVICE

The National Youth Council champions youth empowerment in all spheres of life. In this regard, it has partnered with other organizations to achieve the mandate. Together with Spread Truth Africa, the council carried out a two-day youth empowerment session in Meru county under the umbrella of Sawazisha Gumzo & Mentorship. The Meru Youth Service (MYS) spearheaded the session. The session oversaw the passing out of 500 servicemen and women, majorly youth. In honour of the program’s impact, H.E Kiraitu Murungi graced the pass out.

Sawazisha Gumzo is a program under the National Youth Council Kenya. It is an intragenerational and intergenerational dialogue that aims to support youth mentally and psychosocially through value transfer and mentorship. Also, the program addresses the cultural and socioeconomic factors that accelerate challenges youth encounter. Based on the fact that the contemporary digital lifestyle has impacted every aspect of life, the youth were enlightened on moral values so they can live and prosper. According to Ms Wairimu, failure to guard discipline jeopardizes one’s future. In addition, the communication and Advocacy head emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline at all costs since the country’s future depends entirely on youth. On the other hand, Ms Wairimu acknowledged the normality of mental struggles such as anxiety, stress, and depression resulting from experiences youth encounter as they grow. Ms Wairimu urged the youth to speak out whenever they struggle mentally.

The CEO of National Youth Council Kenya, Mr Roy Sasaka, exhibited the importance of youth mentorship especially in avoiding wrong steps. According to the CEO, mentorship pays and enhances forward movement; one also impacts other people’s lives through mentorship. Meanwhile, during the pass-out, the significant role of training was pinpointed. According to the CEO of Meru Youth Service, the training aims at instilling personal discipline and moral upgrade. It is also a rehabilitation process. Besides, the youth are expected to give back to the community after passing out. The climax of the activities involves an award ceremony. The activity articulated the need for youth to be enlightened on available opportunities that might enhance their sustainability.

Kerio Valley Peace Mission

KERIO VALLEY PEACE MISSION

Leaving an indelibe mark

Intercommunity conflicts have persisted in Kerio valley over the past few decades, particularly between the Marakwet community and the Pokot community, majorly due to livestock keeping. Cattle raiding has threatened the lives of families who earn their livelihood in the valley. In 1997 cattle raiders killed over 10 children and their mothers in the Tot area. In 2002, a Pokot raid on Marakwet in the Tot division led to the death of 2 innocent young people. Several months later, a Marakwet community member was shot and killed, and his livestock carried away. A report in the local newspaper indicated that earlier this year, tension had increased in the Chesegon area in Tot due to the merciless killing of a 24-year-old gentleman and severe injuries caused to four others.

The conflicts have resulted in significant humanitarian issues in the area, including displacement of people and schools, reduced inter-ethnic activities, loss of property and livelihoods, insecurity, disruption of social order, and change of traditional family roles.

Early marriages are another crucial issue that have emerged in the area due to conflict. FGM has caused significant deaths amongst girls due to complications while giving birth.

The national security efforts to end the conflict through force have not been effective. Also, there have been efforts by community leaders to end the conflict but has borne no significant result.

In this regard, the National Youth Council, in conjunction with Spread Truth Africa and the Ministry of Gender, together with other stakeholders, held a two-day Kerio Valley Peace Mission dubbed #ONElifeONEnation on 2nd and 3rd August 2022. This came about after thorough planning accompanied by two days of a fact-finding mission. Spread Truth Africa, which spearheaded the mission with NYC, is a Christian-based nonprofit organization focusing on community evangelism through sports, worship, outreach programs, and humanitarian activities. The fact-finding mission aimed at assessing the viability of the Peace mission in the valley. Guided by the result of the fact-finding activity, the implementing entities were more than grateful to proceed with the ONElifeOnenation Kerio Peace campaign. The peace mission focused on creating an enabling environment for peaceful dialogue between the warring community, promoting peace through community evangelism, addressing FGM and other issues facing young girls and mothers through a well-structured dialogue, namely Sawazisha Gumzo as well as youth inclusion in peace-building activities through cultural diversity celebration and sports activities (Kerio Peace Tournament).

The mission team arrived at the Chesongoch area late evening on 1st Aug 2022 at around 8:00 pm, following several hours of travel. The arrival and welcoming of the guests at St. Teresa Missionary were followed by a brief of the activities to be carried out on the first day, i.e., Sawazisha Gumzo with Morans at Kolowa and Chesongoch(Sawazisha Gumzo is an inter and intragenerational dialogue that focuses on addressing issues affecting us in a normalized discussion), Kikao program with young girls and mothers at Chesongoch and Kolowa area, Pastors training, food distribution, distribution of 1, 200 mango tree seedlings by Kerio Valley Development Authority and the flagging off of the Kerio Peace Tournament finals. Having no other business, the project manager of Spread Truth Africa, Ken Lanyo, led a closing prayer, and the team left for rest.

Everybody woke up psyched up for the much-awaited Kerio Peace Campaign. Despite the delay caused by the heavy rainfall being experienced in the area, everyone proceeded to their respective activity. A team of NYC and Spread Truth Africa were left to conduct organised pastor training in the Chesongoch area; this was spearheaded by Spread Truth Executive director Rev. Hamisi Kirenga HSC. Additionally, another team was left to conduct the Kikao program addressing FGM through dialogue. Ms. Vanessa from Spread Truth was spearheaded and assisted by Yvonne Ndambuki of NYC. The two activities commenced at around 10:am and ended at 4 pm. Later, the team proceeded with food distribution.

The team flagging off the semifinals for the peace tournament proceeded to the venue; Kapkaini Primary School. Had a brief meeting with the school head teacher on matters of peace as they waited for the arrival of prayers. Unfortunately, the heavy rainfall distracted the matches being played.

On our way to the Kolowa area where much of the peace dialogue with morans(Sawazisha Gumzo) and Anti-FGM training(Kikao) was to take place, one of the vehicles transporting the team got stuck in already filled Kerio Valley. The local security team put effort into removing the vehicle. It was later towed after some hours. Crossing the river Kerio was not enough, as we were stuck between the two rivers, Kerio and another seasonal river. We waited for over 2 hours for the water levels to reduce to enable us to cross the river. Despite the hurdles, we got exposure to whatever the community goes through during heavy rains. In one instance, fellow boys assisted a teenage girl on her way home to cross the heavy flowing river. Later to realize the hardship students go through during their studies. At around 1;30 pm, we managed to cross to the other side of Kolowa, having the water levels reduced. The high water levels affected the turnout for the anti-FGM training as young girls could not manage to cross the river. We managed to train approximately 130 young girls and mothers on FGM at Kolowa and 112 at Chesongoch. The team also distributed the Anti-FGM curriculum. The young girls and mothers collectively agreed to champion the elimination of FGM and FGM.

Day 2 of the Kerio peace campaign commenced with a security brief by local police. In the Kolowa area where the Cultural Festival was conducted, everything was set. The cultural festival began with a Peace walk around the Kolowa area, attracting over 500 community members from West Pokot and Marakwet. The Peace walk signified the community’s readiness for peace. Later around 10:00 am, the ref Kerio Peace Tournament finals were kicked with kitting of players spearheaded by SpreadTruth ED Rev. Hamisi Kirenga HSC, assisted by NYC communication and Advocacy head Ms. Wairimu Waeru and Kerio Valley Development Agency chair. The three leaders leveraged the opportunity to address youth on matters of youth. Rev Hamisi urged the use of the aspect of teamwork in sport to preach peace. He also emphasized the importance of peace. In her remarks, Ms. Waweru urged the youth to leverage their energy to champion peace rather than disrupting the region’s sustainability. Various cultural dances presentations followed from Marakwet and West Pokot Communities.

Through the leadership of NYC CEO Mr. Roy Sasaka, Spread Truth ED. Hamisi Kirenga and NYC advisory board director Kunni youth pledged to maintain peace during and after the election. They also pledged to lead at the end of FGM. The winners of the Kerio Peace Tournament, Kapkain FC, were immensely awarded trophies and other merchandise. The eight runners-up were also kitted with uniforms.

Additionally, all the young girls who had completed their FGM curriculum were awarded. The awardees are expected to lead in ending the menace in affected areas. The colourful fest ended with a candle lighting ceremony to mark the community’s readiness for peace and the end of bloodshed.

Happy Mashujaa Day 2021

Happy Mahujaa Day 2021

To the heroes of tomorrow, to the energies that will define the future, as we commemorate the 58th Mashujaa day,the youth of this nation need be empowered with both freedom and a sense of responsibility
The National Youth Council wishes you Happy Mashujaa Day
Happy #MashujaaDay 2021
 
Join in the conversation: #MashujaaDay 2021 Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYC_YouthVoice  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthCouncilKe

Posted by Mike ( SLY MAKOTSI ) Khayeka:  https://twitter.com/makotsi_mike 

NYC CEO ROY SASAKA IN ACCRA, GHANA FOR YOUTH FOR Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2021

NYC CEO, ROY SASAKA TELEWA ATTENDING Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2021 IN ACCRA, GHANA

A delegation of Kenyan Youth is from today participating in the Youth Connect Africa summit that is taking place in Accra, Ghana.
Lead by The Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, Chief Administrative Secretary Nadia Ahmed Abdalla , the team including the National Youth Council CEO Mr. Roy Sasaka , the Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme – UNDP in Kenya Mr. Walid Badawi paid a courtesy call, at the Kenya High commission in Ghana and were received by Amb. Eliphas Mugendi Barine
Join the high-level official opening ceremony of the summit and other exciting sessions lined up virtually via https://events.hubilo.com/YCA2021

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYC_YouthVoice  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthCouncilKe

Posted by Mike ( SLY MAKOTSI ) Khayeka:  https://twitter.com/makotsi_mike 

The call for nomination for the FPDGI International Award is now

The call for nomination for the FPDGI International Award is now

Are you an Entrepreneurial Young Person aged 16 – 35 Years developing innovative projects?
The call for nomination for the FPDGI International Award is now open!
This special award is meant to recognize the professional and personal trajectory of young people from anywhere in the world for their work, their merits and their exemplary nature in any entrepreneurial venture
Submit your entry on www.fpdgi.org before 30TH November 2021
The Princess of Girona Foundation (FPdGi) is a private foundation set up by civil society entities in Girona and backed by 88 distinguished trustees. The Foundation seeks to become a benchmark at national level in supporting young people in their development

International Day of The Girl Child Celebrations

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 2021

The National Youth Council was privileged to mark the International Day of The Girl Child in an event hosted at the Weston Hotel organized by the Forum for African Women Educationalist Kenya and other organizations championing for the welfare of the girl child such as Box Girls Kenya, The Make Way Alliance, The Right Here Right Now Alliance, The Kenya SRHR Alliance, NACONEK,  The Centre for the Study of Adolescence (CSA), VSO Kenya, Daughters Of Kenya, NAYA Kenya, Plan International Kenya, MeTA Kenya/Access to Medicines Platform amongst others. The event was as well graced by representatives from National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK), The Nairobi County Department of schools and Adolescent Health, Spread Truth Africa, Ministry of Health, Department of schools and Adolescent Health, the Nairobi County Women Representative, Hon. Esther Passaris and the guest of honor Hon. Linah Jebii Kilimo the CAS State Department for Gender

The International Day of the Girl Child 2021 was marked under the theme “Digital generation. Our generation.”  Together, we’re calling for equal access to the internet and digital devices for girls’ and targeted investments to facilitate opportunities for girls’ to safely and meaningfully access, use, lead and design technology. Digital inclusion and literacy open new avenues to learning, earning and leading for girls, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the pandemic has also deepened the gender divide around connectivity and online safety, with girls facing economic and social barriers to internet and device access. Girls are leaders. Girls are change-makers. Girls are driving good and growth around the world. They are a fundamental source of transformational change for gender equality, and technology is a crucial tool to support their work, activism and leadership.

Speaking during the occasion, the National Youth Council CEO MR. Roy Sasaka had this to say “Girls are leaders. Girls are change-makers. Girls are driving good and growth around the world. They are a fundamental source of transformational change for gender equality, and technology is a crucial tool to support their work, activism and leadership. Our young girls, you are special and unique. We all have challenges and girls you should not be discouraged by the challenges you face, but as the Bible says, no problem is strong enough to defeat you. Keep dreaming and work hard for your dreams. At the National Youth Council, We have programs such as Sawazisha Gumzo that specifically highlights items touching the girl child  such as Teenage pregnancy, FGM amongst others. Sawazisho Gumzo as well give the girls a platform to discuss on their challenges and arrive at conclusive solutions on the same”

Director Spread Truth Africa, Reverend Hamisi Kirenga noted that: “We have to ensure we choose the right people as mentors in our life. Young girls, we have to trust in God for us to make it in life. As a young girl, ensure you learn and practice good values that can be emulated “

The Nairobi County Women Representative, Hon. Esther Passaris added “As girls, we can do what boys can do better. For you to make it in life, we need to begin by having realistic goals and writing them down. We then need to have a strategy on how we are going to achieve our plans. Work hard on your plan and for sure it will come to pass. One big thing you have to remember, ask God to be part of your plan, to guide you and remove distractors. You are allowed to change and upgrade your goals.”

The Guest of Honour, Honourable Linah Jebii Kilimo, the CAS Ministry of Public Service & Special Programs had this to say “It is sad to see young getting married off in the name of culture and traditional beliefs. Forced child marriages have devastating consequences on the health and development of girls and we need to do away with this backward activity. The government of Kenya greatly cares about the girl child. The constitution has items that promotes the welfare of the girl child like the laws barring FGM. The government has structures such as Free Primary Education that allows all our girls to have equal access to basic education. Teenage pregnancy and FGM are vices that affect our girls. The government is in a serious move to end this and has policies specifically for the same. As a girl, just believe in your dreams and work hard to achieve them as the government has your back always. Have self-actualization and look at ways you can achieve your goals. Let us be our sisters’ keepers and encourage our peers to achieve their dreams and not give up in life”

Catch up with this event on our social media platforms 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYC_YouthVoice 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthCouncilKe

#InternationalDayOfGirlChild   

#InternationalDayOfGirlChild2021

#SautiYaVijana

Article by Mike ( SLY MAKOTSI ) Khayeka:  https://twitter.com/makotsi_mike