Destination Point Kenya

Peace, Democracy and Development

Kenya is in the midst of very dynamic political and social changes. Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in civil unrest and inter-community violence and an increase in crime levels in both rural and urban areas. The UCRC is trying to address these issues by being involved in peace-building initiatives and by initiating projects aimed at tackling the root causes of crime (such as unemployment and lack of recreation opportunities for young people). The UCRC is the regional focal point for the Peace and Development Network of the NGO Council of Kenya (PEACENET Kenya). This network organises regular workshops to raise awareness on peace building and active non-violence. 

Kenya is also currently undergoing a constitutional review process. After many years of campaigning by activists, the Government has put in place a process where by the national Constitution will be completely rewritten. It is to be a participatory process involving input from people throughout Kenya. For this input to be meaningful, it is vital that people understand the importance of the constitution and the options available in deciding on a future system of government for the country. The UCRC is involved in this process of civic education by organising workshops and awareness-raising forums, in collaboration with various partner organisations. 

YOUTH RESOURCE UNIT

Background Information: The Youth Resource Unit was formed during the Youth Cultural Festival of the Ugunja Community Resource Centre in December, 1998. The Festival brought together youth from different groups and backgrounds including representation from the Ugunja Town Council.

The Youth Resource Unit aims to facilitate the involvement of young people from across Western Kenya region around community development programmes.

Objectives

1. To facilitate involvement of the youth in community development as well as localizing the HABITAT Agenda 21 
2. To build the capacity of member youth organizations by linking them up with others who are in related fields 
3. To facilitate resource mobilization for promotion of youth activities 

ACTIVITIES: (Past) 

1. Organized youth cultural festivals. 
2. Establishment of a Youth Desk 
3. Local exchange visits 
4. Clean up of Ugunja Town 
5. Participated in the World Drama Congress (IDEA) 
6. Organised workshops on conflict management and active non violent movement, community leadership, etc 
7. Documented Youth related activities in video, audio, photographs and print 
8. Training youth in information documentation and packaging using video, audio and print media, computers and the use of email for networking 

Present and Future activities 

1. Continue with the above 
2. Waste management 
3. Networking 
4. Civic Education and human rights activities 
5. Promotion of non motorised transport and foot bridges 
6. Promotion of gender in youth activities 
7. Crime reduction by promoting recreational activities, talent development and related activities 
8. Develop programmes on youth health, counselling and skills(technology) transfers 
9. Promoting global networking through the use of internet and advocating for inclusion of rural youth participation in global forums 

Currently seeking partnerships in:

1. Short and or long term development of the above activities 
2. Human resource development: volunteers, interns, work groups, etc 
3. Information technology transfers 
4. Exchange visits and study tours 
5. Resource mobilisation to realise the above