| Kenya YMCA E-Newsletter – September 2023 |
Greetings from the National Office.
Kenya YMCA as a charitable, non-profit making and Christian organisation has continued to work tirelessly to improve the quality of life of youth in Kenya through its network of Branches spread across the Country. Leveraging on its many years’ experience in youth training and development. The organisation has developed and perfected a multi-faceted (integrated) strategy; an approach aimed at offering people opportunities to develop their own personal and communal resources sustainably and in a participatory manner.
The various YMCA programmes are designed to meet standing credibility of serving or rightly addressing youth priorities arising from their learnt constraints and problems. Given the diversity of youth needs, Kenya YMCA continues to offer programmes and activities in a variety, in depth and quality.
Currently Kenya YMCA programmes are anchored on Christian Emphasis, peace,leadership development, Civic Competence, vocational training, entrepreneurship training, mentorship, Career development and counselling, mental Health and Sports and recreation.
Kenya YMCA is focused on growing youth empowerment programmes to enhance its reach in terms of numbers and variety. This move will no doubt go a long way in transforming the lives of many youth in the communities that YMCA serves. Meticulous planning and networking with likeminded institutions and organisations remains critical for the success of YMCA vision and programme work.
Jared Musima
YMCA National Secretary/CEO
| TOT Training on Youth Empowerment Towards Peace Building and National Cohesion |
The “Youth Empowerment towards Peace Building and National Cohesion” training seminar, held from 23rd Aug 2023 to 25th Aug 2023, was a pivotal event aimed at leveraging the potential of young individuals from the YMCA to contribute to peacebuilding and foster unity in our country and also train other youths. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth overview of the training seminar, including its key discussions, sessions, and the valuable insights gained.
The conference was a collaborative effort between YMCA, NACADA, Nakuru County Government and NCIC and brought together a diverse group of over 40, 30 youth and 10 staff
participants from various YMCA branches in different counties within Kenya. The training aimed to train the YMCA youth trainers by exploring the pivotal role that the youth can play in promoting peace and harmony within the nation. The training was done by Kilian Nyambu – Deputy Director,Public Outreach, NCIC. Stephen Juma – Programme Officer, NCIC. Robert Olweny – NACADA Regional Officer Nakuru and Jackline Saleyan NCIC
The “Youth Empowerment towards Peace Building and National Cohesion” training seminar provided a comprehensive platform for engaging young individuals from YMCA in discussions related to peacebuilding, unity, and youth empowerment. The training sessions covered a wide array of topics, ranging from the role of youth in conflict resolution to the importance of advocacy and entrepreneurship. The insights gained from the conference are invaluable in guiding efforts to equip YMCA trainers with the knowledge and advocates in our community, empowering them to be effective mentors and leaders for the youth.
This training served as a significant milestone in fostering a sense of responsibility and agency among the participants. By delving into subjects such as mediation, advocacy, and environmental sustainability, the training aimed to enrich their understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The discussions and training exercises facilitated meaningful engagement, encouraging participants to think critically, exchange ideas, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for their roles as change agents.
As the participants return to their respective communities, armed with the newfound knowledge and skills garnered from the training, the impact of this training is bound to extend far beyond its conclusion. These empowered youth will not only apply the principles of conflict resolution, environmental conservation, and entrepreneurship but also inspire others to join the movement for positive change. The training’s emphasis on national values, inclusivity, and advocacy will contribute to the cultivation of a culture where unity, diversity, and shared aspirations thrive.
The insights shared by experts and practitioners during the training will continue to resonate in the participants’ endeavors. The comprehensive training offered by the conference aimed not only to equip the youth with tools for self-improvement and development but also to instill a sense of responsibility towards their communities and the nation at large. The dedication and enthusiasm displayed by the attendees throughout the conference underscore the commitment of the youth to contribute positively to their surroundings.
The “Youth Empowerment towards Peace Building and National Cohesion” training has played a pivotal role in shaping the perspectives and capacities of YMCA trainers and the youth they serve. The knowledge gained and connections established during this event will undoubtedly act as a catalyst for transformative change within local communities and beyond. As these empowered individuals return to their roles as trainers, advocates, and community leaders, they carry with them the seeds of positive transformation, ready to sow them in the fertile soil of their communities, nurturing a future characterized by unity, harmony, and progress.
| Health Programme YMCA Kibera School |
Many girls are not able to access menstrual hygiene products with statistics indicating that 65 percent of women and girls in Kenya cannot afford them while 42 percent of school-going girls have never used sanitary pads. That is why Zana Africa and PMI came up with this menstrual health program to support girls’ education and ensure that they live in dignity,
Distribution of Sanitary Towels by Zana Africa and PMI.
Project Management Institute Kenya,ZANA Africa and NIA Donated Sanitary pads and facilitated counselling and health sessions to our students At YMCA Kenya Kibera School. The prograame is aimed at helping the young girls with a pack of sanitary towels for the whole year.more than 110 boys and Girls and 25 Teenage Girls at the VTC benefitted from this donations.
Different sessions were held i.e., Reproductive Health, Menstruation,
Adolescence Puberty, Relationships and Mental Health.
| KYCAT GRADUATON CEREMONY |
The Kenya YMCA college of agriculture and technology which was established in 1968 had its 52nd Graduation ceremony held on Friday 8th September 2023 where 128 students graduated in different disciplines in Agriculture and Animal production and health.
Since the inception well over 20,000 Youth have passed through the institution
The college offers training and experience in modern farming and technical competencies such as Mechanics,Animal Health,Agriculture,animal Science,Food Technology and information and communication technology. The college is registered licenced and accredited by TIVETA and approved to offer animal health Programs by the KVB
| Coffee Bar Naivasha Branch |
Coffee bar event in Naivasha branch is moving young people another level, it’s a platform that empowers youths in body mind and spirit, This week They hosted Nakuru county CECM for lands, physical planning and urban development Hon. John kihagi and his Counterpart CECM for youth ,sport ,art and social protection madam Josephine Atieno
Also in attendance was Hon Mwangi Muraya MCA viwandani ward and Hon Alex Mbugua MCA Lakeview ward in Naivasha this event attracted more than 100 young people.
This year Naivasha has had three successful Coffee Bar Sessions. One in June, another in August, and the last one in September. These two sessions brought youth together and enabled them to network, ask questions about the community while seeking to understand leadership.
The first Coffee Bar was on 2nd June 2023 attendees were Nakuru County CEC, CECM for Youth Sports and Social Protection Madam Josephine Atieno Achieng. During her engagement with the young people, she promised to make sure YMCA Youths participate in Talanta Hela Youth Bazaar. It was later held at Buffalo Mall on 26th June 2023.
During the Bazaar, YMCA was represented by two groups Cloud Nine Dance Group and Icon Band. The two groups were paid KES 50,000 each which they used to purchase costumes and instruments. This has impacted on the groups positively because they are empowered.
The second Coffee Bar was held on 7th August 2023. The chief guests were Honorable Moraa, the MCA for Viwandani, and Honorable Alex Mbugua, the MCA for Lakeview. During their engagement with the young people, YMCA members were promised ten slots to attend driving school which will be fully paid by the County Government. The manager was tasked with following up on the youths; currently all ten students are enrolled in Topaz Driving School.
The third Coffee Bar was held on 9th September 2023 and the chief guest was CECM for Lands, Housing, and Urban Planning in Nakuru County, Mr. John Kihagi. Also in attendance was CECM for Youth Sports and Social Protection Madam Josephine Atieno Achieng. This Coffee Bar was well attended with 224 participants. The meeting was highly engaging and the CEC for Lands promised that once the Housing project begins in Naivasha, most of the workforce will be the young people who attended the Coffee Bar. We have the names and details of participants. The CEM for lands also promised to process the YMCA Naivasha Branch Title Deed which we currently do not have.
| Drug and substance Abuse walk in Nakuru |
Drug and substance use in Nakuru county has becom rampant amongst the youth,this has led to rise in crime and deaths.Thats why Nakuru YMCA Branch had a peaceful walk around Nakuru town to sensitize young people On matters of drugs and Peace. More than 50 youths participated in a procession. The work was from Shabaab to Kiti Youths were able to create awareness and increase YMCA visibility.Branch youths participated in a drugs and substance use campaign and this also brought visibility
youths participated in a procession on Drugs and Substance use. The walk was from Shabaab to Kiti . Youths were able to create awareness and increase YMCA visibility.
International Youth Day 2023
Kenya YMCA Central branch led a group of youth from the big six youth organizations to plan for this years international youth day. Some organizations represented in the planning team include the following:
- Young Women Christian Association
- The Girl Guides Associations
- Kenya Scouts Association
- The Kenya Red Cross society
- Ajira Digital Network
- The Association of communities’ coalition for climate change
- Nairobi City County
- The Ministry of Youth Sports and the Arts.
The youth committee involved in the planning attracted the state department of youth affairs and the arts and they were integrated in the larger planning team to champion for green skills for the youth. During the event the cabinet secretary for youth graced the occasion that was held in the Kenya Cultural Centre with a street market taking place in the CBD.
Key activities for the day included the following:
- Hustla Bazaar- where youth were allowed to display their merchandise.
- Kikao discussions focusing on education, skill development, climate change and health.
- Panel discussion on meaningful youth engagement
- Color fest
- Stage performance
The activity attracted 5,000 participants drawn all over the country. A key output of this activity the YMCA was highlighted as a major organization in youth activity and a consultant organization with the GOK.
| Career talk |
Building a successful career requires determination and effort. It’s a challenging journey that
demands time, dedication, and tough decision-making. To achieve a more fulfilling
professional life, you must break old habits, develop new ones, and invest your own time and
effort. That’s where Yusudi held a career talk at National Training Institute in Shauri moyo dubbed Unveiling the Hidden Job Market” to accelerate the career growth of young people and make their transition smoother and more enjoyable. 300 students attended
The Yusudi Sales Academy is dedicated to supporting young individuals by offering the
following:
1. Career Preparation: We provide comprehensive training on B2B sales skills,
equipping you with the necessary knowledge and expertise.
2. Job Placement: Yusudi collaborates with various institutions and companies
to help connect young talents with suitable employment opportunities.
The speakers delved into three key subtopics:
1. Crafting Your Brand for the Hidden Job Market: Gain insights on how to build a personal
brand that ensures you are easily recognized and sought after for the job opportunities of your
dreams. Let your brand become the catalyst for job offers, eliminating the need for constant
job searching.
2. Networking Your Way into the Hidden Job Market: Learn effective strategies for identifying
individuals with whom you can establish meaningful connections, opening doors to valuable
opportunities within the job market.
3. Live Mock Interview Session: Experience a real-time mock interview, featuring commonly
asked interview questions. Following the session, receive constructive feedback on how to
enhance your interview performance and effectively tackle these questions.
| Mentorship and life skills Programme |
YMCA Kenya has been in the forefront in implementing youth mentorship and life skills programmes in schools and the communities. This has been made possible through the partnership with other likeminded organizations targeting youth particularly in the slums.
On average over 30,000 young people have directly and indirectly benefited from the mentorship programme which has been meticulously executed by trained YMCA mentors. YMCA branches leading in mentorship programme include; Kisumu YMCA, Nairobi Central YMCA, Shauri Moyo YMCA, Mombasa YMCA Nairobi South YMCA and Thika YMCA. Thanks to the Global Youth Mobilization funding from WAYMCAs.
The programme has strengthened the existing youth networks especially with registered youth groups thereby boosting the Branches membership base. Most of the mentorship sessions take place at community youth spaces with topics revolving around self-awareness, reproductive health, youth and leadership as well as Economic empowerment.
Agribusiness
Youths from Indangalasia ymca have come up with a program to plant a new species of bananas that take a shorter time to be harvested.
This will go along way in changing the lives of young people in the region to embrace agriculture for their livelihood