MCEDO YOUTH GROUP

Mathare Community Education and Development Organization (MCEDO YOUTH GROUP) is a Youth group Organization operating in the heart of Mathare slum, the second largest slum in Kenya. The organization was founded in 2000 and registered formally in 2009. The volunteer run youth group was formed in response to the plight of youth, orphans and the vulnerable children (OVCs). The key areas included Advocacy, mentorship, empowerment, capacity building / training, awareness, and environmental conservation. This was the predicament of the slum youth and child living in extremely deplorable conditions of utmost poverty with basic needs being a luxury. Through successful implementation of various com... read more Mathare Community Education and Development Organization (MCEDO YOUTH GROUP) is a Youth group Organization operating in the heart of Mathare slum, the second largest slum in Kenya. The organization was founded in 2000 and registered formally in 2009. The volunteer run youth group was formed in response to the plight of youth, orphans and the vulnerable children (OVCs). The key areas included Advocacy, mentorship, empowerment, capacity building / training, awareness, and environmental conservation. This was the predicament of the slum youth and child living in extremely deplorable conditions of utmost poverty with basic needs being a luxury. Through successful implementation of various community education and development based programs, the youth group has been credited by the non residents and residents for its immense contribution in improving the welfare of hundreds of young people in the area through tailor-made programs. Its primary beneficiaries have been mainly the highly disadvantaged children and youth in the slum. The initial focus was empowerment through education opportunities. Adult education pioneered this initiative and led to non formal school. This was however discontinued in 2003 when the founding team discovered that several extremely needy children stayed at home though primary education was free. United Nations Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) team from United Nations was very instrumental in implementing child education since October 2005. The growth in population has been attributed to multiple programs that the centre runs that are youth and child friendly and very attractive. Its daily operations are run by a team of 17 volunteer staff. (10 female and 7 male) Main goals Vision To be the leading institution in teaching, training; equipping and empowering Mathare women and youth to enable them lead productive lives. Mission Empower Mathare women and Youth by creating Education, Income generation and Talent Development opportunities through strategic partnerships. The purpose To enable youth and children to become innovators, leaders and spokespeople, protecting them and other children from dangers and risks, as well as building life skills that will lead them towards a hopeful and productive future