Experiences

My voice will make a difference

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The morning of 20th April 2013 will go down in my books as one I will quite never forget. I simply have never seen so many youth from all walks of life come in drones to meet and talk to their mentors, in the quest to make their voice be heard.

The event going by the name Kumekucha which can be loosely translated to “new dawn”, took place at the Kenya National Theatre, and was the first of its kind in the country. The event drew different people from diverse backgrounds, but attendance being visibly skewed towards youth artisans who reside in the informal settlements of Nairobi.

Youth, who are considered as the 43rd tribe in Kenya were the main target of this event which focused on these masses of undeserved and less exposed innovative and creative minds who lack the capacity to realize and explore their potential. The main message being driven to the audience was on how they can open their minds and learn how to make the most out of already existing opportunities, to empower themselves and secure the country another 50 years of self sustenance.

Africa Creative Hub, a Business Connection company that facilitates networking and accelerates content creators, sharing of knowledge, opinions, opportunities, tools and resources were the organizers of the Kumekucha event, and were very pleased at the high attendance and success of the event in general and hope to reach out to more youth in the next upcoming edition. Kuza Biashara being a capacity building organization was among the sponsors of the event and an also active participant with scouring for mentors that will help build the youth in the country. Homeboyz Entertainment Group was also in attendance to provide the visual and sound needed to make the event a lively one.

Michael Onyango, the Creative Economist at Africa creative Hub was full of praise for those in attendance, and took the opportunity to give a brief history on how the Kumekucha concept came into being, and what it took to make the event come to reality. The main message cutting all through the event seemed to be that of encouraging youth to let go of the usual perception they have of being given all the time, which created dependency that is not sustainable in the long run. The youth are instead encouraged to go out and get what they truly want, for only passion and determination will get you where you wish to be.

The success of the first ever edition of the Kumekucha event will no doubt be a benchmark for all other upcoming events. With all other future events expected to be bigger and better, this will go a long way ensuring that the youth play a big role in the vision 2030 development on agenda where they will have a more active role in implementation. Kumekucha event will be a monthly event and hopes to build on the success of the first edition to target more youth, sponsors and mentors.



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