- This event has passed.
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, KKF was able to hold its annual meeting with sponsored students and alumni. On January 5, 2023, the KKF team, Board members, and special/guest speakers met at the Machakos Sports Club with about 70 current high school and university students. KKF alumni and some current students were not able to make it because of work, household, and school commitments.
The one-day program was an enriching experience and covered various topics including:
- Time of Reflection
- KKF Now and in the Future: Mission/Vision, Objectives, Outcomes, and Impact
- Overview of Local, National, and Global Development Issues in Relation to Makueni & Machakos Counties
- Overcoming COVID-19 and Partnering with KKF—Reflections from Students
- Career & Leadership Development, Time Management, Buidling Confidence, and Self-Esteem
- Youth and Health Challenges in Kenya
- Study Habits for Success
- Life Skills—Group Work and Reporting by the Students
As always, amplifying student and alumni voices is a key KKF commitment. The young people highlighted many challenges that have impacted their lives (e.g., peer pressure, mental health, financial constraints, social media influence, limited life/career mentoring, discrimination/bullying in schools, etc.). However, they also made strong recommendations which KKF will use to guide our continuous strategic planning.
The young people recommended, reinforced, and validated some of the ideas that KKF has considered integrating within our four main organizational pillars—scholarships, mentoring, internships, and institutional capacity strengthening. They would like KKF to access whether tuition scholarships could include other essential maintenance needs or fees. For mentorship and internship opportunities, the students suggested increasing networking/bonding forums (e.g., retreats, workshops, etc.) and career development conversations with diverse professionals. Within the institutional capacity strengthening pillar, the young people encouraged partnerships that help students access basic skills (e.g., computers, etc.) and help in the improvement of their living conditions (e.g., improved sanitation, etc.).
Students highlight their challenges on newsprint to share with participants