KYD 20th Anniversary at KAYEC Youth Center
KAYEC, 27 September 2024 | On the 27th of September, KAYEC’s Youth Development (KYD) programme marked its 20th anniversary. Since its inception in 2004, the KYD Program has been committed to empowering Namibia’s youth by providing educational and psychosocial support, along with knowledge about HIV prevention. After two decades of addressing the needs of vulnerable children and adolescents aged 10 to 18, we are proud to commemorate this significant milestone.
The After School Centers in Windhoek, Rundu and Otjiwarongo offer a wide variety of activities, including exam preparation, arts and crafts, social training and practical projects such as gardening and sports. These programs help set the course for the next generation's lives.
Several volunteers, who are now mentors in the programme, started as participants themselves. When asked why they chose to volunteer for KYD, Levi, a participant since 2004, shared “I gained many skills and knowledge, and I met a lot of people. Now, I feel that whatever I gained, I should give back to the next generation, so they can pass it on. All of these children will grow into responsible youth and good leaders because much of our program focuses on leadership”.
His colleague Luther, who is currently volunteering, added “I became a volunteer because the head of the program at that time worked hard to help me envision a better future. She realized that I didn’t see myself in that light and helped me change that. Now, I strive to help children who are like my past self to see the best in them.”
Martha, another former participant and later volunteer at KYD, is now working as a teacher. She expressed that she wouldn't have been able to speak confidently in front of a classroom or large audience without her experiences at KYD “At KYD, you are encouraged to express yourself and advocate for yourself through engaging activities.”
For more information, feel free to reach out via email at whk.kyd@kayec.org.
*This article was submitted by KAYEC to the CIVIC BEAT Newsletter (September Edition) call for submissions.
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