Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen has said is only through education that the Kenyan youth can be better equipped to change the world.
He spoke during the International Youth Fellowship Academy’s
graduation ceremony held at the Moi International Stadium, Kasarani in Nairobi
on Saturday.
Murkomen said Kenyan youth need to gain essential values and decision-making skills, through initiatives such as the Mind Education program, that will enable them to have a far-reaching impact.
6,000 youth graduated in the IYF’s sixth cohort graduation.
“This celebration
transcends a mere graduation; it represents the culmination of effort, growth,
and transformation for each of you—6000 strong,” Murkomen said.
Good News Mission and International Youth Fellowship Founder
Rev. Dr. Ock Soo Park together with IYF chairman Rev. Yohan Kim attended the
ceremony.
The CS said through the collaboration with the Ministry, IYF
last year trained all Regional Coordinators from the State Department for Youth
Affairs and Creative Economy.
“These youth now have
the opportunity to learn from the newly trained officers shaping them into
better individuals who can contribute positively to society,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen said reflecting on the programs, he was inspired to
note their alignment with the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement
(NYOTA) Project which provides a platform for youth to unlock their potential,
build resilience and secure a better future.
He said training on life skills and embedding of positive
mindset will benefit all 47 Counties.
“Just this July, together with IYF, we supported 30 young
Kenyans to represent our country at the World Cultural Dance Festival in Seoul,
South Korea. They returned not just as participants, but as Grand Prize
Winners, proudly displaying our culture on the global stage,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen said the government's Recognition of Prior learning
means one has every opportunity to validate his skills and obtain NITA
certification, opening new doors for employment and entrepreneurship.
Murkomen told the youth to take advantage of Affirmative
Funds like the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, UWEZO Fund, Women Enterprise
Fund, National Government Affirmative Action Fund and Hustler Fund to better
their lives.
“Be on the lookout for the upcoming program WhoZNext which
is designed to unleash Kenya’s next top talent by scouting and nurturing talent
among the Youth. I urge you to be cognizant of Climate Adaptation and
mitigation measures to better our environment. Be peace ambassadors as a
peaceful and prosperous Kenya is anchored on you and me,” he said.
IYF Weekend Academy has been instrumental in providing
skills to disadvantaged youths, the majority being form 4 leavers who in one way or
another couldn’t have a chance to further their education due to financial
constraints.
Rev. Dr. Park has been a key figure in this program that has
given hope to many youths who could have lost hope in one way or the other as a
result of various social challenges such as lack of funds and social vices such
as drugs.
“IYF is teaching young people to live a bright and blessed life and I hope that many people of Kenya will live a bright life through the grace of God and I hope the grace of God will overflow in you,” Park said.