Speaking during a one-day sensitization workshop held at Madogo secondary school, the group’s chairperson Ahmed Amin urged the students to concentrate more on their education to secure a bright future and avoid activities that would lead them into pregnancies.
“As the schools close for KCPE and KCSE examinations, I want to urge all students to avoid peer pressure. Take time to nurture your talent so that you can keep away from drug abuse, early pregnancies and marriages,” said Amin.
The group is rolling out activities that include cleaning of town streets, football matches, composing songs, skits and mentorships in Madogo and Mororo to keep the youth actively occupied.
According to the chair these activities are meant to keep the youth especially school going children away from the streets and avoid being tempted into drug abuse and crime.
Amin appealed to both the county and national government to support the group so that they can cover more youth and centres across Bura constituency.
“Currently we are self- sponsored. We are therefore appealing to both the county and national governments and other non-governmental organizations to help us sensitize the youth in these areas. With the support, we shall widen our coverage and keep the youth away from crime,” he said.
Hawa Ramadhan the group’s secretary said they were committed in ensuring that the future of young girls in the area are secure through promoting education.
Hawa called on parents to monitor the movements and activities of the children while at home.
Participants who spoke to the press expressed their gratitude to the youth group and promised to abide to what they learnt during the advice given to them.
“We are happy with Hangafa Youth Group for coming to talk to us about issues concerning teen pregnancies and drug abuse. I ask our boys to stop destroying their lives through drugs and substance abuse because it is them who are mostly affected,” said Abdirahaman, the president of the students’ governing council.
Teen pregnancies among school going children was among the highest in the country last year during the Covid-19 restrictions period when schools remained closed.
President Uhuru Kenyatta early this year directed that all pregnant school-going children be registered, access antenatal care and that they should return to school after they deliver.