WEEK OF TALENT IN MAKINDU
Advocating for Abstinence
By Rayola Osanya-Nyynéque and Linda Nisswa
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The month of August signaled the time of one of the highlights on the annual calendar of Makindu town – the Youth Talents Week (YTW) of HOPE
worldwide Kenya’s Makindu town program outlet, known as Makindu Centre Of HOPE. The event is a platform for youth to display their talents in various disciplines and for many to gather to not only celebrate those talents but also to hear and spread the message of safe practices and healthy decision-making with regards to their reproductive health.
This year’s theme was “Tia Zi. Si Lazima Tu Do,” i.e. Hold On, We Don’t Have To Have Sex” in celebration of abstinence. Contestants participated in track events, choral verse, traditional dance, dancing and rapping, public speech and modeling. They answered questions about HIV and AIDS, health and the environment and the audience was invited to do the same.
Loud cheers rent the air at the Makindu Centre Of HOPE site as children, youth and adults alike absorbed the event, applauded the participants and appreciated the message.
The awards day was graced by the SWAT youth dance troupe from Nairobi, a local councilor and the District Youth Development Officer as well as representatives of various HWWK programs.
Representing HWWK’s Youth Program, Assistant Youth Program Officer Peris Wakesho said, “There is clearly a lot of great talent. Continue to express yourselves through talent and use your talents for good.” From HWWK’s OVC program, Roselyn Nyakundi reminded the children of their rights and encouraged the children to make the most of their talents.
District Youth Development Officer, Nyapeni Ongaga, (left) addressed the gathering: “The program has been enjoyable and has served to empower the youth through the presentations and messages. We cannot build a better Kenya without empowered youth.”
Community members had much to say about the (YTW).
Lucy Loko shared that the event is helpful in character-building. “It challenges youth to get involved and is also a forum for youth to come together, meet, and share ideas.”
Of the (YTW), Hamida Wabosha said, “it enables many to identify their talents and how they can use their talents in behaviour change.” Similarly, Musa Adam, one of the contestants, said, “It encourages jobless youth in identifying their talents and using them in a positive manner rather than abusing drugs and practicing prostitution.”
“Literally everyone is aware of HIV/AIDS courtesy of HWWK in Makindu,” Julius Kibara enthused. Festus Mwangangi is grateful for the YTW as “a wonderful project because it actively involves the youth in an attempt to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS through the use of their talents.”
With the number of participants greater than last year and the community enthusiasm as electric as ever, the YTW was an excellent vehicle to champion the cause of behaviour change.
