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KENYA COMMUNITY REBUILD LAUNCHES YOUTH MINISTRY....
Story by Janet Wainaina
When I was told to facilitate the youth meeting by Jane Kiguru, I was petrified, not knowing how we could engaged with the youth constructively. Even being a teacher does not prepare you for a 3 hour session with over 100 youths, some of whom we met for the very first time. We planned, and the planning paid off!
The UK Kenyan youths had a treat at the Kenya Community rebuild launch of youth ministry. It was a really intimate session where the youth shared, celebrated and inspired each other. The vision of the ministry is to see the youth inspired, developing life skills and managing to make life choices that will enable them live a productive life. This mission came about in response to many of the young people involvement in crime, dropping from college, teenage pregnacy among other predicaments that have caused concern to the Kenya community abroad.
The inspiring story for the day was that of Henry Ochieng, Olympic torch bearer whose 13 years of his life has seen him winning medals for football, cricket, athletics among other activities. After watching his documentary, the youth questioned him about his life, discipline, time keeping, school work and many more questions that could mean that he did challenge them to be the best they can.
In response to crime, the youth watched an interactive video, " who killed Dion" which started discussions regarding criminal records, jail, peer pressure and choices.The video highlighted that everyone should be responsible for their actions. In response to questions, many confessed knowing someone with a criminal record or someone in jail. This bit was very disturbing as the video highlighted murder crime and how many people went to jail for even having contributed without knowing. Maureen, a young person was able to initiate discussion from the video. She is one young leader to watch!
The discussion forum led by Esther about Body image was very interactive and exciting. The youth were divided in 4 groups, discussing what body image is, effects, positive image and negative body image and how to improve body image. They all engaged with the discussion and feedback and even the 11 - 13 yrs old had highly thought of answers that made others clap. There was a big number of 14 - 18 and 18 - 25, who really pointed out that they need more of this session. Esther is a great facilitator with engaging and probing moments, and the young people responded very well.
The entertainment main show was african drumming and dancing, led by Lydia Olett of Malaika Cultural Unique. This was an altenative cultural entertainment where they learnt how to drum, coordinate and move to the beats. All, including a four year old took turn to drum, dance and solve a riddle. Lydia as well has a great presence and through years of experience, is a great example of the inspirational talent possessed by Kenyans abroad.
This has kicked off well, with the young people wanting more of such, the duty is on Kenya Community Rebuild to see a continuity in this very well received initiative!
Click for photos..
When I was told to facilitate the youth meeting by Jane Kiguru, I was petrified, not knowing how we could engaged with the youth constructively. Even being a teacher does not prepare you for a 3 hour session with over 100 youths, some of whom we met for the very first time. We planned, and the planning paid off!
The UK Kenyan youths had a treat at the Kenya Community rebuild launch of youth ministry. It was a really intimate session where the youth shared, celebrated and inspired each other. The vision of the ministry is to see the youth inspired, developing life skills and managing to make life choices that will enable them live a productive life. This mission came about in response to many of the young people involvement in crime, dropping from college, teenage pregnacy among other predicaments that have caused concern to the Kenya community abroad.
The inspiring story for the day was that of Henry Ochieng, Olympic torch bearer whose 13 years of his life has seen him winning medals for football, cricket, athletics among other activities. After watching his documentary, the youth questioned him about his life, discipline, time keeping, school work and many more questions that could mean that he did challenge them to be the best they can.
In response to crime, the youth watched an interactive video, " who killed Dion" which started discussions regarding criminal records, jail, peer pressure and choices.The video highlighted that everyone should be responsible for their actions. In response to questions, many confessed knowing someone with a criminal record or someone in jail. This bit was very disturbing as the video highlighted murder crime and how many people went to jail for even having contributed without knowing. Maureen, a young person was able to initiate discussion from the video. She is one young leader to watch!
The discussion forum led by Esther about Body image was very interactive and exciting. The youth were divided in 4 groups, discussing what body image is, effects, positive image and negative body image and how to improve body image. They all engaged with the discussion and feedback and even the 11 - 13 yrs old had highly thought of answers that made others clap. There was a big number of 14 - 18 and 18 - 25, who really pointed out that they need more of this session. Esther is a great facilitator with engaging and probing moments, and the young people responded very well.
The entertainment main show was african drumming and dancing, led by Lydia Olett of Malaika Cultural Unique. This was an altenative cultural entertainment where they learnt how to drum, coordinate and move to the beats. All, including a four year old took turn to drum, dance and solve a riddle. Lydia as well has a great presence and through years of experience, is a great example of the inspirational talent possessed by Kenyans abroad.
This has kicked off well, with the young people wanting more of such, the duty is on Kenya Community Rebuild to see a continuity in this very well received initiative!
Click for photos..
Attention Kenyans in the UK:
The much awaited Diaspora Conference with our President is finally happening on the 28th of July 2012 in London. I need your views on the following;
If you met the President & other govt officials what would you tell them in regards to;
1. Diaspora issues
2. Kenyan youths in Diaspora
3. Diaspora social issues
A sentence for each field wld be helpful. You can email _admin@kenyacommunityrebuild.com, inbox on fb or use my personal email; kigurujane@yahoo.co.uk.
A fast response will be much appreciated.
KCR "Building a Nation within a Nation".
The much awaited Diaspora Conference with our President is finally happening on the 28th of July 2012 in London. I need your views on the following;
If you met the President & other govt officials what would you tell them in regards to;
1. Diaspora issues
2. Kenyan youths in Diaspora
3. Diaspora social issues
A sentence for each field wld be helpful. You can email _admin@kenyacommunityrebuild.com, inbox on fb or use my personal email; kigurujane@yahoo.co.uk.
A fast response will be much appreciated.
KCR "Building a Nation within a Nation".
Kenya Community Rebuild website lauching soon...be the first to know
If you have any enquires please contact us via email or phone, we'd love to hear from you.
Tel:+ 44 (0) 78 8678 5412 Email:admin@kenyacommunityrebuild.com |
PEREZ OCHIENG. Click play button below to listen. Also available on DVD
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