The youth program developed naturally out of the micro-business finance initiative. Parents in income generating activities began getting worried about their teenage children who were increasingly getting involved in anti social activities such as peddling drugs, prostitution, alcohol abuse and petty theft. It was therefore found necessary to provide counseling services to such children, some of whom were already ex prison convicts. The goal of the project was to help the youth improve the quality of their lives by working with each other, and with counselors, to acquire skills. The program is also designed to provide a conducive environment within which youths can grow and develop into responsible adults.
Today more than 80 youth are in the program. Over the years, the youth have developed a number of activities designed to help rehabilitate slum teenagers and help them develop as adults with some dignity and as responsible citizens. The activities include drama, peer counseling, school visits, education tours, sports, slum clean ups, Information Communication Technology (ICT) education, life skill training, exchange programs and income generating activities. Members of the program have been out of the country on several occasions to make drama presentations. They have participated in sports competitions and have on several occasions won soccer competitions in various categories.
The members have shown that they are well mannered, focused and future oriented who are anxious for opportunities to prove their potential in various life. What lacks sometimes is the opportunity and finances to support them. Several of the youths have joined the micro enterprise program and their businesses are doing extremely well. However, there appears to be lack of a well thought-out program through which the youth could successfully exit to adult life., As a result there are feelings of frustration.
