Church empowers 60 Mukuru teens with life skills training

By Sammy Kimatu

More than 60 teenagers from Nairobi’s Mukuru informal settlements have benefited from a one-week training programme aimed at equipping them with Christian values, life skills and positive moral standards.

The Teen Discipleship and Academy Programme, led by Bishop George Thiong’o of Agape Fellowship Church in Mukuru-Reuben, Embakasi South Sub-County, brought together teenagers from different parts of Nairobi to learn, interact and acquire skills to help them navigate challenges affecting young people.

This year’s programme attracted 60 participants, comprising 30 boys and 30 girls, mainly from Mukuru-Reuben, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Imara Daima, Pipeline and Umoja 3.

Bishop Thiong’o said the programme was designed to provide guidance and mentorship during school holidays, when many young people spend more time at home or in their neighbourhoods.

He said the church had created a safe and constructive environment where teenagers could learn Christian values while developing skills to make responsible decisions.

Tackling negative influences

Participants were trained on Christian discipleship, good morals, personal responsibility, discipline, relationships, decision-making and ways of overcoming challenges affecting young people.

Speaking after the training, Bishop Thiong’o expressed concern over increasing incidents of goonism and criminal activities in various parts of the country.

He urged authorities to take effective measures to address the problem, warning that the situation could become dangerous as the country approaches the next General Election.

Learners/teenagers during the training at Agape Fellowship Ministry at Nairobi’s Mukuru-Reuben slum in Embakasi South Subcounty. Photo/Sammy Kimatu

One beneficiary, 14-year-old Happiness Mueni, a Grade 9 learner at AEF Reuben Primary and Junior Secondary School, said the training had helped her understand how to live a Christian life based on good moral standards.

“I am happy after gaining training skills that will enable me to tackle challenges in life and demonstrate Christian morals within society,” she said.

Another participant, 14-year-old Robert Muiruri, a Grade 8 pupil at Tammy Agape Learning Centre, said Christian values were an important foundation for young people.

Supporting youth mentorship

Bishop Thiong’o appealed to corporate organisations, well-wishers and donors to support the programme so it can reach more young people.

He said the church currently works with 10 teachers who assist in training and mentoring teenagers.

“I have 10 teachers who help me during the training of these little angels. The most important thing is that we save lives by bringing learners to the church for training when they are on holiday instead of allowing them to loiter in the slums,” he said.

The bishop urged teenagers to shun drugs, crime and activities that could jeopardise their education and future.

He also encouraged parents to monitor their children during holidays, know their friends and understand how they spend their free time.

Agape Fellowship Church conducts the programme during school holidays in April, August and December. Bishop Thiong’o said the timing was deliberate because children have more free time during holidays.

He said engaging teenagers in educational, spiritual and recreational activities could reduce exposure to negative peer pressure, drug abuse and crime.

He said keeping teenagers engaged in constructive activities during holidays could protect them from negative peer pressure and social problems. He urged families to create an environment where teenagers can discuss challenges instead of seeking advice from people who may mislead them.

The bishop said parents should play an active role in mentoring children and guiding them towards activities that support education.