Nandi County Youth Fund in collaboration with Underit Youth Group, which is an implementing partner of USAID, Act and Uraia Trust in the area has mentored upcoming youth groups that mainly comprise of Gen Zs in a bid to empower them economically and socially.
Speaking during the mentorship engagement held at Kebisem Location in Nandi, Underit Youth Group (UYG) coordinator Jacob Sanga noted that youth groups are one of the best platforms that can enable the young generation to identify the issues affecting them, thus take part in public participation to enhance development in the community.
Sanga noted that youths form one of the best key peace promoters, adding that they should be mentored to deal with idleness, which may lead them to engage in activities that can ruin their lives due to lack of employment in the modern society.
“Youth groups are platforms that can be used to empower other youths in the community. Through the groups it is easier to organize activities that bring youths from different backgrounds together such as sports, with a view to discussing issues in their communities and finding the way forward. Here youths will be occupied, thus curbing idleness,” pointed out Sanga, adding that one of the objectives of the groups should be maintaining peace at all levels.
UYG project officer Francis Nge’ny divulged that in achieving sustainability of groups, the youths must come up with the objective of forming the group, all members should be devoted towards the activities of the group as well as utilizing every opportunity they come across that can contribute to the growth of their group.
He added that the vision of the group should be carried by both the group officials and the individual members to enhance progress in the group.
“Have a concept of the activities you want to do. Document everything you do and ensure you have an existing project you are working on always,” advised Nge’ny noting that for a group to progress it should have well stipulated by-laws to govern the group that all members should adhere to.
Nandi County Youth Fund Credit Officer Victor Kirui present at the event, said that there are a number of government Funds that youths can take advantage of, when they organize themselves into groups, for instance the Youth Fund and Uwezo fund.
Kirui noted that for the groups to access such funds they should be registered at the social services department and have a certificate, adding that this can enable them apply for loans and grants, which will go a long way in supporting their group activities.
He advised the youth to start with short term projects such as table banking, cultivation of horticultural crops and poultry keeping that can generate interest in the shortest time possible, before settling on long term projects, adding that identifying the market of their product is essential before settling on a given project.
“The small strides you make are what lead to success. Most youths lack capital to start projects after school. By organizing yourselves in groups you will be able to access government funds, set aside for the youths to start and expand your projects,” the Youth Fund credit officer explained.
Kebisem sub location sub Chief Simion Biwott who also attended the mentorship session, noted that youth groups help in instilling the culture of working and saving, resulting into economic empowerment.
He lauded the mentorship initiative, calling on the partners to do more engagements to ensure the youths take part in activities that can have a positive impact in their lives as well as improve the community economically.
“Train yourselves to do something as a youth to avoid idleness by all means. Engage in productive activities. Let others learn from what you are doing, and get empowered,” reiterated Biwott.
By Ruth Mainye
