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Champion spotlight

 We present two of our youth champions, Mercy and Stan, who continue to transform the community in their own unique ways. Kindly have a read and get to know them better. Enjoy! 

MERCY KABUTU

 


Background and passion

Mercy is a Human Resource professional and is passionate about elevating other people's livelihoods through charity and using her career expertise to mentor fellow youths. She has been a volunteer with VSO Kenya and later supported the VSO Resourcing Department.

Leadership and key achievements

Mercy’s greatest achievement is transferring knowledge to others through training and watching them make better decisions and perform their roles efficiently. As a National Volunteer with VSO, she trained 20 participants on social accountability and were later able to conduct a social audit exercise in 7 public primary schools.

Mercy is also a member of FOC (Friends of the Community) a CBO, and has managed to visit over 5 counties and more than 30 children homes, rehab centers and home for the elderly to provide mentorship and donations to vulnerable children.

Motivation for joining YSD

YSD is a platform that gave Mercy an opportunity to interact with her fellow youths.  She is able to learn about the different challenges we're facing as a nation and how she can be part of the solution.

Aspirations

Mercy aspires to be a HR specialist who can advise youths on career guidance, and give them the right exposure and resources to ensure they are fully aware of the multiple choices they have.

Your Message to the youth

“We all have our lives and we should live them according to our standards. However, the decisions we make especially as youths will set a bar of how the youths behind us will be treated. We're not only living for ourselves but for the next generation too.”


STANSON GITAU (STAN)



Background and Passion

Stanson is a medical student at Kabete National Polytechnic and a peer counsellor. He is very passionate about creating awareness on issues that affect the youth especially on mental health and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

Leadership and Achievements

Stan has facilitated several sessions on mental health and drug abuse with Kenya Red Cross Society, Kabete Branch and reached over 30 youths. While volunteering with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), he trained 35 youths on CV writing skills and 10 youths on computer skills at Bura Rehabilitation Centre in Taita Taveta County.

Motivation to join YSD

Stan joined YSD because it is a youth friendly platform that enables the him to engage freely and to speak out without feeling left out. He also sees it as a chance for him to grow his facilitation, leadership and planning skills, and to network with other youths.

Aspiration

He aspires to be a game-changer in the community and to lead by example so as to encourage other youth to participate in addressing matters that affect them.

Message to youth

“Youth is not just a time of life; it is also a state of mind. You are as old as your doubt, your fear, your despair. Keep your self-confidence young. Keep your hope young."

 


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