Mentorship initiative shapes career paths for Kakamega youths

More than 200 students from Kakamega have completed a mentorship programme aimed at guiding them in their career paths.

The initiative, part of the ‘Growing the Community’ project, involved youths from primary, secondary and university levels, who were mentored by a team of intellectuals from Ematere village in Lurambi constituency.

The mentorship team included over 10 professors, doctors and religious leaders from various universities.

The programme was launched in response to a growing concern that many youths lack career guidance, leading to lower enrolment in higher education and increased teenage pregnancies and crime.

“We started this programme a year ago to give back to the community by empowering the youth, driven by a worrying trend of idleness leading to negative outcomes like teenage pregnancies,” said Levi Musalia, one of the mentors.

“Student mentorship is key for the future development of children, helping them choose the right career paths aligned with their strengths,” he added.

Dr Anne Mugalavai from Rongo University explained that the mentorship programme, which took several months to complete, was designed to prepare students for the upcoming school term.

 “We want to introduce our children to a culture of reading and help them become good citizens, which is why we plan to build a library for the community and expand the programme countywide,” Mugalavai noted.

Walter Malenya, Coordinator of the ‘Growing the Community’ programme, said the initiative focuses on blending educational and community activities to develop youths’ talents.

“Our programme integrates Artificial Intelligence and education to shape responsible citizens,” Malenya explained.

The mentorship also covers entrepreneurial skills to expose students to global job opportunities.

 Pastor Joseph Shamala, General Superintendent of Kakamega Yearly Meeting of Friends Church Quakers, praised the programme for also offering spiritual guidance and promoting responsible use of technology.

“We have active youth who use social media; let the government handle youths who break the law through the proper processes, not through abductions,” Shamala said.