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Dear friends,
My name is David Njihia from Nairobi, Kenya, a recepient of the GYCA small grant to implement the above mentioned project in Kiambu West District.Kiambu District is a suburban area which has a population of 800,000 people where the major economic activity is farming. After post election violence in 2007 most families from Rift valley moved and settled in the internally displaced camps in this region. Faced with lack of basic needs many young girls turned into casual unprotected sex in exchange for money or favours. On the other hand young men turned into taking of drugs and local illicit brews. This has greatly increased the risk of spread of HIV/AIDS especially amongst youth who account for 60% of the population. Numerous interventions have been put in place such as promotion of save sex, behaviour change communication and peer education especially amongst school going youth.Access to free Voluntary Counselling and Testing services through ministry of health and other organisations has proved effective towards behaviour change. However many community members still don’t understand the importance of getting tested for HIV/AIDS. This project will therefore mainly focus on sensitizing the community on the importance of Voluntary Counselling and Testing as we celebrate contributions of youth in fighting HIV/AIDS and promoting community development during the Global Youth Service Day.
(From left) David and Mrs. Emily Maina (DYO Kiambu) receiving tree seedlings from the forester (centre) joined by Charles and Kiarie in a past expedition camp.
It is expected that youth will see themselves at personally at risk, take actions that are appropriate for them and most importantly know their status.
Global youth Service Day celebration is an annual event that celebrates, recognises and mobilises the contributions of young people to build their communities and their world through voluntary service and contributions made by the community (public, private and non profit sectors) to empower youth.
Changes rover crew a youth led organisation under Kiambu scouts local Association has been selected as the National Lead Agency in Kenya. The organisation has therefore partnered with Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Health, other youth led organisations and faith based organisation in organising a one week expedition camp from 18th to 25th April 2010.
Members of Changes Rover Crew clad in Masai attire during the past event
During this camp 300 youth volunteers will collectively participate and engage in community service in all six divisions of Kiambu West and East Districts.
The major activity will be community sensitization on HIV/AIDS. Other activities will include tree planting and clean ups in six major stations.
The climax of the expedition will be marked by visiting Hosanna Children’s home, an orphanage of HIV positive children.The climax will also mark the launch of Shabaa Central, an initiative of Kenya Community Development Foundation aimed at promoting value based leadership amongst youth.
Part of the Expedition participants enjoying the waters of Gatamaiyu River
During the closing ceremony key community leaders will be invited to address youth and award those who have made significant contributions to the community. The theme of the event will be “Najijua, najenga nchi” Swahili words meaning I know my status and I take part in developing my community”
It is expected that this project will stimulate youth to start other replica activities in their immediate neighbourhood with the support of the community.
A. To have at least 500 people access VCT service in each station and the community be informed on where they can access the service. HIV/AIDS remains a big challenge towards community development and sensitization will demonstrate youth’s commitment in fighting it
B. The team will hold clean ups in three towns and plant 5000 trees in public places during the week long service to sensitize the community on the role of youth in ensuring well being of community health.
C. To recognise and appreciate top 10 youth who have made significant contribution to their community over the past one year. This will empower them and motivate more youth to also serve their communities.
D. To visit and make a donation to Hosana Children’s home for the orphaned by HIV/AIDS scourge. This will be a call to youth to be sensitive to those with special needs as they serve community.
I am so excited as I put the skills I leant on Project Management from GYCA in practise.
I will keep you posted on the progress of the project
"Ahsante" This is a Kiswahili word meaning Thank you.
