VAP Youth Empowerment Centre

Mixed Gender Forum

On Saturday 14^th August, VAP held a mixed gender forum in Kiambio areas. Convened under the belt of Secure Future’s program, the meeting’s aim was to create an open dialogue and conversations on social, healthy and economic issues with gender lens. Attended by pregnant adolescent girls, young mothers and their respective male partners from all the walks of Kiambio and its neighborhoods who have been participating in the program, the meeting aimed increasing knowledge and enacting the right attitudes and perspectives on gender equality. Participants received talks on Gender Roles, Gender Based Violence, Drug Abuse, Parenting and contraceptives from experts and held a moderated debate on the same. “Since participating in the program I have learnt how to take care of myself and going for antenatal care.” Said 20 year old Salima.

Graduation of Young Fathers

After a successful involvement in Secure Futures program, a group of 23 male partners: boyfriends and husbands of secure futures program participants: pregnant adolescent girls and young mothers were awarded with certificates as confirmation of participating in the program. Their participation and commitment in the program as ‘Influencers’ has been of great help towards supporting the impact of the entire program, increasing knowledge and enacting the right attitudes and perspectives on gender equality and promoting positive masculinity. Despite the graduation exercise they were engaged in candid group discussions with invited experts on issues surrounding: Gender roles, Gender Based Violence, drug abuse, parenting and contraceptives.” These talks have been of great help to me, as men we really need to support our women/wifes and have open communications on family matters including family planning” Said 21 year old  Otieno.

Goal Program Stretches to the Outskirts of Nairobi

Participants from Ngalala primary school located on the outskirts of Nairobi participated in Goal program as their first sports fun based extra- curricular program. Led by VAP’s experienced Goal coaches, they were taken through various topics which included: Menstruation, Hygiene, Building self-Confidence, importance of teamwork, and reproductive health among others. Participants received sanitary pads distributed to them and were also taught on the proper usage and disposal of the pads. With the demand of sports based life skills program on the rise from other neighboring schools and communities, VAP will build on this relationship and establish its presence in the area reaching out to additional communities.” Our youth have had fun and enjoyed playing sports as they also learned vital life lessons that are very key to the youth of these areas.” Said head teacher of Ngalala school.

Skillz Kenya Peer Evaluation Exercise

Supported by Egmont Trust under the ‘Peer Evaluation’ exercise, VAP partnered with Tushinde Children’s Trust in networking, learning and understanding each other’s programming and implementation. Program participants and representatives from Tushinde Children’s Trust had an opportunity of visiting and participating at VAP’s Skillz Kenya HIV awareness football based program and learn how football is used to as a catalyst for HIV messages. Additionally, the team paid a visit at VAP’s offices to learn more on programming, monitoring and evaluation. Likewise, VAP’s team visited Tushinde’s offices to learn more on programming, monitoring and evaluation. Both teams learnt a lot on areas of program improvement and scale up.Tushinde provides tailored family care and education to children from the poorest families in the slums of Nairobi.

Secure Futures Recruitment

Drawn from different slum areas, a batch of pregnant adolescent girls, young mothers and a few male partners gathered for a ‘Secure Futures; recruitment drive held in Kiambio. A brief orientation of the program and the importance of integrating male partners in the program as ‘influencers’ was conducted by VAP female coaches. The newly recruited participants will be engaged in the program for a period of six months where they will be engaged and have an opportunity to: gain specific life skills that are critical for the safety and well-being of themselves and their children, have improved access to safe spaces, supportive networks and referral services, gain livelihood opportunities that comprises of business training and mentorship, vocational training courses of their choices as well as receiving business start- up kits for those willing to start their own business.

Youth Empowerment Centre-Update

Construction plans for VAP’s Youth Empowerment Centre is taking shape with the building drawings already submitted for approval at the lands authority for official commencement. Through partnerships with various stakeholders,VAP is looking forward to having the following at the Centre: Health clinic ( Community members and program participants to access HIV testing, counseling, and health referrals), Vocational training block ( Employment and entrepreneurship courses for youth),Gender Based Violence Recovery Centre (GBV victims) Mental Health & Psycho social support block (Counseling area, Mental health services),Common space ( Program trainings/ workshops),Sports facility (A gym, football pitch & basketball court for sports based programs and well-being),Library and volunteer accommodation blocks. A  safe space for VAP community to gather, learn, and play as well as establishing a social enterprise and a source of pride for the community.Thank you very much for your continued kind support as we dream to realize the centre together.Let’s ‘Empower The Future’ together!