The Teens’ Forum

The Teens’ Forum was organized in Nairobi (Kenya) by the Slum Child Foundation, associate member of the Dianova Network, with over 400 participants

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On 10th of September 2016 the Slum Child Foundation organized the Teens’ Forum, an event held on a yearly basis to enable students to discuss key issues such as school unrest and substance abuse and engage in dialogue with prominent speakers, including education and law professionals. The organizers saw the necessity to make this year’s event an interactive one, with a panel of invited guests who reacted to the many questions posed by the students. The event’s theme was “Stand Up, Speak Out, Be Heard” and it took place at Our Lady of Fatima Secondary School.

Prominent guests from different fields were hosted; Dr. Zipporah, Mr. John Ngugi the Senior probation Officer from Makadara Law Courts, Pastor Steve Mzungu, Officers from NACADA and many others. The guest of honour was Mr. Pius Masai, the Deputy Director of the National Disaster Management Unit of Kenya.

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More than 400 adolescents from the slums of Korogocho and Its environs attended the event and several schools from the surrounding areas were hosted including Our Lady of Fatima, Kariobangi North Girls Secondary, Alliance Vision High School, Hekima High School, St. Mary’s Kerris High School and Ngunyumu Primary School.

The students engaged in an active discussion with speakers and other guests in an attempt to better understand the reasons why some students resort to violence and substance abuse.   Mr. George Ochieng, Director of Slum Child Foundation, urged the students not to take refuge in drugs or alcohol so as to avoid regrets later in their lives.

Not only the Teens’ Forum was as success but it also seems to have had a significant impact on the lives of many. The speakers were able to address many of the concerns of these teenagers who seldom have the opportunity to share their thoughts and express themselves. Many questions have been raised ranging from spiritual issues to lifestyle, cancer, drug abuse and how to live an upright life.

Lastly, thanks to the support of many well-wishers we were able to provide students with food and drink,  toiletries,  school equipment, drug prevention material and clothes.