MARY J

Addressing Sexuality is null without involving boys, while we are busy building the capacity of young girls we have ensured that young men are not left out. YCK team has made sure that they have mentor ship sessions with young boys too.” We believe that in order for us to fight societal challenges like; teenage pregnancy male involvement is integral”

Students listening to the YCK team

The young boys were a great audience, they are extremely vocal and they know that their voices are important in addressing some of the difficulties they experience. With this in mind they clearly articulated that provision of reproductive health information and services is an element that should not be overlooked in achieving sustainable development.

Student explaining the importance of Young people accessing SRH services

The team has been working with this specific school for over 3 years. The attitude and behavior change experienced is remarkable, though other challenges still exist. The school has over 200 students from high social status with students from different races. Some of the issues the young people shared are: Drugs and Substance abuse, pornography & masturbation addiction and early sexual encounters which affect young boys at their age.

As an advocate for change one must be a good listener and know the language that young people speak. Being current with happenings is mandatory”

Men talk

While most of us know Mary J as one of the best musician or perfume this is not the case for these young boys. Surprisingly MARY J means Marijuana it is a name know to them to mean “weed or Bhang, which is a drug commonly abused by many in Kenya especially among young people. It was a great opportunity to learn new slang.

Chatting with this boys is amazing

Contributor: Venoranda Rebecca Kuboka

Connect with us on: youthchangerskenya@gmail.com

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Finally,as part of our mandate YCK will start an academy in the school to ensure a consistent mentorship programme that will address different areas of the student’s life especially; life skills and reproductive health. The students are open to issues and discuss matters of sexuality without fear. The team is convinced that our investment is this young people is not in vain.