Since my arrival in Nairobi I have been working with a project called the One Stop Youth Centre. I realize that I should provide a little more background information on this initiative.

The One Stop Youth Centre was launched on 12th August 2003 by His Worship the Mayor of Nairobi. Its purpose is to assist unemployed youth between the ages of 15 – 24 years on the aspect of “Youth employment, employment creation, equal opportunity and entrepreneurship”. The centre programmes are designed to capacity build young people and youth groups on gainful livelihood in the field of employment – related facilities in the city and its environment. There is an emphasis on developing the skills of youth to reach their full potential and to participate in urban poverty reduction responsibilities.

Its rationale lies in the provision of a youth friendly approach to employment opportunities in self-employment, formal and non-formal sectors. The overall aim of this project is to provide career and employment services to urban youth, especially those most vulnerable, residing in Nairobi, aged 15 to 24. In response to the current situation of the youth, One Stop Youth Centre empowers the youth generation with ownership of the development process and to act as agents of change in the city of Nairobi.

The Centre is located in the city centre of Nairobi in an old Railway Station that has been transformed into the perfect meeting place for youth. Every time that I have visited the centre I have been introduced to new people, organizations and projects that are going on within various of the wards of the city. To tell you the truth I am overwhelmed by the amount of activities. The centre holds training workshops, meetings, and works as an information centre.

Last Thursday I was present for the launch of their computer programme. At the World Urban Forum 3, Computer AID International donated 15 computers to the centre. This will allow youth in the city access to computer skill training and will help in reducing the digital divide that exists between the rich and the poor.

For the past three years I have been working with Canadian youth in various dimensions. It is really interesting to now have the opportunity to work with the young people of Africa. I am not in any place to draw any conclusions in terms of similarities and differences just yet but I can definitely say that many of the young people of Africa and Canada are determined agents of change.

For more information on the One Stop Youth Centre check out their organization page or for those of you who live in Nairobi, visit the Centre.