The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Mbeere Diocese in Embu has established a youth and sports outreach programme to engage and change the lives of young people in the community.
The Diocese head, Bishop Dr Moses Masamba, said they want to use the power of sports to drive social change in the community among the target population of boda boda operators and young men and women in the community.
The approach, according to Bishop Masamba, will go a long way in enhancing gifts and talents of young people as well as instilling family values to young couples and families.
Speaking while unveiling the committee that will oversee the implementation of the program on Sunday, the man of the cloth said the initiative will also help reduce antisocial behavior.
“We feel this is an attractive way of engaging the attention of young people to create a platformme to promote prevention of social vices such as crime, alcoholism, drug abuse and teenage pregnancies.
He said the church has for long not been actively involved in community affairs resulting in a greater disconnect of the church from the community.
“We want to bring the church and local communities together in changing the life-path of young people as well as spread the love of God to them,” he said.
Consequently, Bishop Masamba said they had commenced the process of formulating a strategic plan to anchor the programme in church activities and also develop a plan to achieve the goal.
Boda Boda industry official, Josphat Njuki, lauded the move saying it will help bring them close to church and godliness thus eliminating acts of lawlessness that have for long been associated with the industry.
“We believe this new engagement will among other things, bring a change of behavior among our members for the good of the people we serve,” he said.
On his part, Ishiara Football Club Team Manager Jacob Ndwiga said engaging young people in sports will keep them busy and away from deviant behaviors and crime.
“This partnership will help young people grow holistically- physically, mentally and spiritually,” he said.
By Samuel Waititu
