With young people increasingly recognized as critical actors in matters of global importance, community leaders from Ntuntuni in Tharaka Nithi County came together to form Okoa Generation Initiative, a forum that seeks to empower the youth to identify and respond to community needs for future development.
Formed in 2017, the initiative enrolls over 100 students annually, with its emphasis on eradication of drug and substance abuse, increase in gender awareness, sexual reproductive health education and building capacity to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Morris Munene Ndeke, a coordinator and a founder member of the initiative said that the forum was as a result of increased cases in drug abuse among the youth, with some dropping out of school and prompting immediate action from the community.
Speaking during a seminar held for the students at Ntuntuni on Tuesday, Mr Ndeke asked other communities to emulate them and work together with stakeholders and sponsors to achieve youth empowerment and education.
Area Chief, Joseph Gitonga Kagere acknowledged that changes in the community were being witnessed since the inception of the initiative and called for more seminars for students during holidays.
Studies have shown involving the youth as partners in making decisions that affect them increases the likelihood that decisions will be accepted, adopted and become part of their everyday lives.
In addressing drug abuse and school fires, school heads in Kenya have proposed mandatory drug tests ahead of school opening and want students held responsible for school fires.
“Okoa Generation Initiative has not only benefited us through empowerment and education but has also given us the opportunity to network and interact. It has provided platforms for mentorship and follow up. I urge other stakeholders in other locations to organize such initiatives to help this young generation” – Maureen Kinyua, a beneficiary of the Initiative.
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