On 22 October, 2011, the Kenya I Care teams, together with some other senior Initiatives of Change (IofC) members, were invited by Mrs Lucy Litho - a long standing IofC friend from Central Kenya region - to have a one-day interactive session on the issue of drugs and alcoholism. Over 60 young people from Maina village in Central Kenya participated.  

This village has a reputation of young people brewing illicit alcohol and then engaging in criminal activities. A month ago nearly a dozen young people from the village died after consuming an illicit brew. ‘Responsible behaviour in young people is hardly seen here. Something must be done,’ said a lady on TV after these deaths occurred.  

The team took the advantage to share Initiatives of Change ideas – change starts with self; absolute moral standards of love, purity, honesty and unselfishness; the art of inner listening.  

George Kinga, a young man from the region, shared a Bible sermon that gave a strong insight into how our lives can be used to make remarkable differences and impact the society positively. Mr Kinga also touched on relationships, highlighting some of the common problems in our families caused by irresponsibility and alcoholism. 

Martin Chuma, a doctor from the Nyahururu General Hospital, had also been invited to highlight the dangers of drug abuse and alcohol. By using real life examples he was able to link the idea of world transformation through self transformation. ‘We must be well behaved and mannered to live effectively. Our country depends much on young people as they have the potential to accelerate development,’ he said. 

The Elimisha Theatre group from this area contributed to the workshop by performing a short play on domestic violence as a result of alcoholism. Mr Joseph Wainaina shared from his past experience of political violence. He also re-visited the effects of the 2007/2008 post election violence which prompted the IofC team to show An African Answer film. 

The team found it very important to follow up and to re-visit this area and hold more meetings with the young people, who are suffering the consequences of unemployment.  

Kenya I Care! 

By Mike Muikia