HOPE RESTORED FOR YOUNG CARE LEAVERS
By Sr. Santrina Raymond, IBVM
On December 20, 2023, a significant event unfolded at the Boma Inn Hotel – the signing of a petition addressed to Hon. Eng. Lucy Ng’endo Njoroge, the minister for Youth Affairs, Sports, ICT, and Innovation in the County Government of Uasin Gishu. This was a crucial moment for the Young Care Leavers and Youth Leaders, providing an opportunity to voice their concerns and advocate for the passage of the County Youth Development Policy. This activity contributed to a constructive closure of the year 2023 project activities for the LCMC Team in collaboration with Jesuit Hakimani Centre.
During this meeting, care leavers passionately shared their personal stories, creating an atmosphere which triggered several duty bearers in attendance to shed tears. The emotional testimonials included; circumstances that lead young individuals to find themselves in care institutions, challenges faced by children in care institutions, challenges associated with the disengagement process from care institutions, the difficulties that arise for young people after leaving care and a general perspective on the challenges faced by the youth within the community.
By bringing these issues to the attention of the minister and her colleagues in office, the petition which symbolized a unified call for action was signed. Our hope is that the officials, as promised in their speeches, will collaborate with SOS and Jesuits project team to accelerate the process of passing the County Youth Development Policy as soon as feasible. For the care leavers, this meeting was a restoration of hope, an experience of Christmas in their lives.
Heartfelt gratitude to all our collaborative partners who have tirelessly supported the work of LCMC in different ways. Through your support, we have had an experience of “Emmanuel”, God with us – throughout the year. May the Lord bless us and keep us as we look forward to what 2024 holds for us.
