In an ever-changing world where the youth hold the key to the future, organizations like the Kenya Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) are stepping up to empower and uplift the younger generation.
With a shared vision for Africa, the Kenya YMCA, along with 22 other YMCA branches across the continent, is working tirelessly to transform the lives of young people, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in all aspects of life.
With a deep passion for youth development, Jared Musima, the national General Secretary and Chief executive Officer, has spearheaded numerous programs that cater to the holistic growth of young individuals, nurturing their bodies, minds, and souls.
“We have programs that are spiritual in nature, whose main purpose is to nourish our souls and make us better and strong Christians in our churches,” Jared states.
The Kenya YMCA’s focus on holistic development stems from its belief that true empowerment goes beyond academics and tangible skills. Through their various initiatives, they aim to create well-rounded individuals who are not only equipped with knowledge but also possess resilience, character, and a strong sense of purpose.
One of the flagship programs offered by the Kenya YMCA is their physical wellness initiative. Recognizing the importance of a healthy body, the organization encourages young people to engage in sports, fitness activities, and outdoor adventures. By promoting an active lifestyle, they instill discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, enabling youth to develop physical strength and mental resilience.
“Its our shared vision for Africa YMCA in Africa we have 23 YMCA spread across the continent. All of them are working in programs that are designed to empower the young people holistically. We have programs that are spiritual in nature, whose main purpose is to nourish our souls and make us better and strong Christians in our churches,” he explains.
But the Kenya YMCA goes beyond physical development. They recognize the significance of nurturing a young person’s mind and intellect. Through educational programs, vocational training, and mentorship, the organization strives to provide young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving job market. By cultivating a love for learning, they equip youth with the tools to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.
However, the Kenya YMCA’s mission encompasses more than just the body and the mind. They are deeply committed to nurturing the soul, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and moral values. Through various faith-based programs, counseling services, and community engagement, they create a safe space for young individuals to explore their spirituality, develop a sense of purpose, and contribute positively to society.
“We work with all churches across the board we have members who are Catholics and we run programs in Catholic Church. We run programs in PCA and American Methodists. Our programs revolve around Christian embassies, for the purpose of helping our members to nourish their souls and get deeply rooted in Christianity and the Christian faith,” he says.
With 23 YMCA branches spread across Africa, the Kenya YMCA is part of a larger network committed to empowering youth continent-wide. This interconnectedness allows for the sharing of resources, ideas, and best practices, ensuring that young people across Africa benefit from a comprehensive and unified approach to youth development.
Under the guidance of Jared Sima, the Kenya YMCA has made significant strides in transforming the lives of countless young individuals. Inspired by their vision of a brighter future for Africa, the organization remains dedicated to empowering the youth, equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate life’s challenges and seize opportunities.
Kenya YMCA stands as a source of hope, championing the cause of youth empowerment. Through their holistic programs, they are molding a generation of resilient, competent, and compassionate leaders who will shape Africa’s future.
Transforming Lives
One of the key challenges faced by the youth in Kenya includes high levels of poverty, unemployment, mental health challenges, and frustrations which further exacerbate these issues. Many young individuals find themselves seeking instant gratification and can become overwhelmed by societal pressures leading to negative thoughts and actions.
To address these challenges, the YMCA plays a vital role through its mentoring and mental health education programs. The organization aims to provide young people with guidance, support, and the necessary tools to navigate life’s uncertainties. By fostering patience, resilience, and a sense of hope, YMCA empowers young individuals to face life with confidence and optimism.
“From 2020 we started running a lot of programs around the mental health programs so that we make young people aware of mental health challenges and how to address those challenges. We do it free of charge. We don’t charge those kinds of activities. One is when they come into YMCA programs, they discover YMCA and they learn what YMCA is doing and they get involved in YMCA activities,” he states.
YMCA programs and services are offered free of charge. This approach has ensured that all young people, regardless of their financial situation can access the support they need.
“We don’t charge those kinds of activities. One is when they come into YMCA programs, they discover YMCA and they learn what YMCA is doing and they get involved in YMCA activities,” he adds.
Through their programs, YMCA reaches out to young individuals in various ways. Firstly, those who actively participate in YMCA programs become aware of the organization’s mission and get involved in its activities. This engagement allows them to benefit from the mentoring and mental health education programs offered.
“We as YMCA extends our reach by collaborating with youth groups in different communities. Through partnerships with local branches, YMCA brings its programs directly to where young people are, making it more accessible and inclusive, he charges.
Additionally, YMCA establishes clubs in universities, colleges, and high schools, creating safe spaces where young people can engage in activities that promote personal development and growth. These clubs not only provide avenues for skill development but also foster a sense of belonging and community among the youth.
YMCA also takes pride in its lifeguard and life-saving training programs. By equipping young individuals with these valuable skills, YMCA not only enhances their employability but also ensures the safety of swimmers in various establishments. This training has gained recognition worldwide, opening doors for job opportunities for the trained individuals.
“One is when they come into YMCA programs, they discover YMCA and they learn what YMCA is doing and they get involved in YMCA activities. The second approach is we go where they are. We work with some youth groups in the community. We also work through universities and colleges and high schools and we have what we call YMCA clubs in those institutions,” he elaborates.
He further adds that they do a lot of training in lifeguarding where they train people who end up being employed by international organizations.
“We also do a lot of training in lifeguarding or life saving. We train young people who end up getting jobs all over the world because we are the only recognized training centre for this,” he reiterates.
Furthermore, YMCA has played a significant role in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS through sensitization and training programs. By educating young people about prevention and safe practices, YMCA contributes to the fight against the spread of the disease.
While YMCA provides these transformative programs and services without charge, it does generate some income to sustain its operations. Membership fees, income from hostel services, and charges for certain activities such as swimming pool usage and gym facilities help cover some operational costs. However, the funds generated from these sources are only a small fraction (around 5%) of YMCA’s total budget.
To have a more substantial impact on the lives of young people, YMCA heavily relies on external support and funding from donors and partners. These contributions, although vital, are still limited compared to the organization’s needs. With a staggering 75% of Kenya’s population comprising young people below the age of 35, the challenges faced by this demographic are immense. Adequate resources are essential to expand programs, reach more young individuals, and provide the necessary support and opportunities they deserve.
YMCA believes that by bringing happiness to the greatest number of young people, they are fulfilling a good and noble purpose. However, the demand for resources remains substantial, and the organization hopes to attract more support from individuals and organizations who recognize the importance of empowering Kenya’s youth.
