Between 6 and 9 October, our East African Liaison Office hosted the Life skills sessions in Kisumu, led by Lilian Gitau (Focal Person Kisumu). A total of eleven community youth joined the training and spent the days going through the lifeskills training, learning, as well as sharing their experiences. The life skills sessions included theory, discussions, as well as interactive role plays.

The various modules ignited discussions and opinions on real life experiences and the best ways of handling different situations. It also provided opportunities to reflect on gaps seen among families within the community, leading to both group as well as individual discussions guided by the facilitators.

The youth finalised the life skills training by participating in the World Mental Health Day activities, which were held in partnership with the Government’s National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) department.

Roundtable discussion Kisumu City

In the middle of the life skills training, youth participating in the life skills training as well as the youth advisory board representatives took part in the Round Table session in Kisumu City. Besides youth, government representatives, civil society, and community members took part in the session. The meeting was officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Industry, under which the Licensing and Control Board of Alcohol is located.

During the session, the youth expressed their concerns about being left out of the decision-making processes and only being involved when decisions have already been made. They also shared gaps between different stakeholders and a lack of youth inclusion in addressing community needs. It was also noted that tertiary schools have not been well focused, yet that is where most of the youths face social challenges and substance use. It was unanimously agreed that programmes or interventions would only be possible if youth spearhead most of the youth-focused initiatives. All participants gave their undivided commitment for support of the initiative, acknowledged it’s unique approach and expressed optimism of it’s maximum benefits.