Youth speak out on economic empowerment in Turkana West
29th July, 2021
Youth leaders from several wards in Turkana West Sub-County participated in the 4th annual youth congress convened to strengthen networking between the youth and stakeholders.
The event hosted by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) was marked under the theme “Equip, Engage and Empower”.
The activity aimed at discussing and finding solutions to socio-economic issues affecting youth within the host community.
The congress was graced by Turkana county officials and various organizations who equally work towards ensuring economic sustainability among the youth.
While sharing experiences, participants engaged local leaders in thoughtful conversations on employment, social and business entrepreneurship and youth involvement in decision making process.
Following keenly through the conversations was Richard Emase, a 27-year-old person living with disability. He resides near Kalobeyi centre in Turkana West, a place he says people like him are not recognized.
Emase expressed his appreciation to LWF for implementing youth empowerment programs that are inclusive of person(s) living with disability.
“Most programs or opportunities are not considerate of people like me, am so happy that I can mingle with other people and get to share my ideas during such forums” he said.
Emase, who is currently a student at Eldoret Technical Training Institute (ETTI), appealed to the local leaders to empower and support the livelihoods of people living with disability.
Julius Aruwan, the LWF Youth Program Officer, emphasized on the benefits of community enterprise as a way of enriching lives within households.
“We are the leaders of tomorrow, we must focus on skill development and secure better opportunities for ourselves” he remarked.
Speaking at the event, the area Member of Parliament Hon. Daniel Nanok, affirmed his support to project ideas initiated by the youth.
He encouraged the youth to be more innovative and objectively utilize grants issued by organizations and the government.
In line with the theme, LWF is committed towards empowering youth by equipping them with skills and opportunities sustainable to economic development.
Working with various stakeholders, LWF implements interventions promoting education and youth entrepreneurial mentorship which is critical in optimizing the ability of youth towards a productive economy.
Tending livestock has been the major source of livelihood for the local community in Turkana County. Most households, consider livestock farming important. They do not appreciate sending children to school to acquire education, therefore they uphold the pastoral way of life
Additionally, cultural practices, poverty and lack of quality education has dominantly played a key role in explaining why the region is still lagging behind economically.
LWF is committed to empowering the youth through various interventions thus solving the prevailing socio-economic issues.
Written by Denise Akun, LWF Communications Officer
