Educate and Empower Street Children in Kenya

         Learning and Leadership were at the forefront of the Kansas State University International Service Team’s journey to Kenya this summer. They were involved in activities at the Children and Youth Empowerment Centre (CYEC) to build leadership capacity and strengthen life skills for the children living there. They assisted in the planning and facilitation of biweekly life skills lessons over topics such as goal setting, healthy relationships, drug abuse, and career planning for two groups of children at the centre separated based on age. They also led sessions on leadership development for older children who were taking on positions of leadership at the Centre and in their schools. These lessons revolved around strengthening communication and dialogue through the identification of personal values and strengths so the children would be able to work more effectively with their peers and among staff at the Centre.  Another area K-State students worked to develop was the Credit System for the CYEC’s “Zawadi Shop” in which children and youth could use credits to purchase clothing, school supplies, and other necessary items.  The credits will be rewarded by staff and prefects when a child is seen doing outstanding work at the CYEC.  Students were able to establish a spreadsheet to help organize the awarding and spending of credits to keep the shop running efficiently.  Each of these projects provided students the opportunity to learn more about the CYEC and interact with many of the children and youth whom their work would benefit.

While K-State students took on these projects, they also spent significant time learning about the culture of Kenya through interactions with the children, staff, and community surrounding the CYEC.  International Service requires individuals to be aware of their impact on the host culture and reflect on the many ways in which their host may influence their experience.  Spending time with the children of the Centre before and after school and on weekends allowed K-State students to gain a greater understanding of the lifestyle and daily routines at the CYEC.  Free time included many football games—especially as the Fifa World Cup was taking place, art projects showcasing the talents of children of all ages, and other adventures at the Centre and in the Thunguma neighborhood.  Students discovered that some of the most meaningful interactions with the children came in the moments shared during these fun activities because they could interact and build memories through shared experience.  As the summer progressed students gained a stronger understanding of the culture and their host community as well as context for the adaptive challenges the CYEC faces.  Upon their return to the United States, students reflected on their experiences and how they may continue to work as advocates for the Centre and each child who benefits from the resources it provides.