From August 18th - 24th, 2008 at the Bible Baptist School in Makutano Town, youth attended the first annual Kick it with Kenya Youth Empowerment Conference.
Partnered with a new Kenyan Organization on the ground called Inspire Life Outreach Ministries (ILOM), we were successful in bringing critical education and fun to over 100 youth from surrounding areas. ILOM brought in pastors from Nairobi to talk to the youth and the community on empowerment. Every morning the youth would attend church for worship and talks from these pastors.
The soccer tournament was a success as well. With games the day before the conference started and finishing on the last two days, the top four teams received t-shirts that were printed in a near-by town. The top team received a trophy that they will hold onto until next years tournament. Everyone that participated in the tournament and conference were awarded with certificates.
There were two days of lessons on HIV/AIDS. One activity included the participants to walk around the room and "find the person with HIV," showing them that anyone can get HIV. Other lessons included hygiene and good sanitation practices. A full day consisted of anonymous questions to be answered. For a list of some questions asked click here.
The response from the youth was overwhelming. When asked what the most important thing they learned from the week they responded with numerous answers. One of the most powerful responses was by a teenage boy named Yonah,
"It is my privilege as a youth to be in a stand and fight against AIDs in our society. I am lucky for the teaching has been open and we learn how to build a great foundation of our precious life within respect, love, honour in the society. It is easy for we as youths to stand for one another and save the future generation."
For more youth questions and comments from the conference. click here!