Shamiri Institute’s Post

What has happened in Kenya over the last two weeks has broken my heart. I was born in a small village in rural Kenya, the son of smallholder sugarcane farmers. I started school in a tiny nursery with one ramshackle iron-sheet classroom on top of a rocky hill in Nyabera Village. There were 12 of us in my nursery class in 2000. Only three of us graduated high school, and only one of us made it through college. These experiences inspired me to make Shamiri my life’s work. I wanted to build a future where young people could actualize their life outcomes. Since we began in 2019, our mission has focused on mental health as a pathway to thriving African youth. But the original mission was broader—it was about empowering young people with the tools to improve their lives socially, economically, civically, and healthily. What made this even more urgent was Kenya’s demographic reality. The median age was 19. The status quo was untenable. We needed to provide our youth with a platform to thrive, or we’d face a ticking time bomb. The bomb “ticked” this past week. Young Kenyans, fed up with government failures, systemic corruption, and institutionalized injustices that prevent them from actualizing their potential, took to the streets. These peaceful protests were about more than just the “financial bill.” They were a repudiation of years of failure by the government to listen to and serve young people. “Tumechoka kubebwa ufala,”—we are tired of being taken for a ride. But rather than listen, the Kenyan government unleashed a brutal and violent crackdown on protestors, leading to the deaths of many, including adolescents and young people. This brutality has shocked our collective consciousness as a nation. Yet the underlying issues remain. Young Kenyans are unemployed, struggle to get through school, and live in poverty. Over the past five years, we’ve found that almost 1 in 2 young Kenyans are depressed and not optimistic about the future. These are the real issues our government needs to address—not self-preservation. I am even more committed to our mission of enabling thriving African youth. I stand with the young people of Kenya. 

South Africa faces a profound challenge with its disengaged youth, who seem to lack a deep understanding of the intertwined issues of class, race, and economic struggles. This deficit in comprehension impedes their ability to critically analyze and contextualize these pressing matters. Consequently, many politicians exploit this gap to maintain their grip on power. We as South African citizens in general, and the youth in particular, often do not engage in their civic duties nor grasp the personal impact of politics on their daily lives. This disengagement is partly a product of our political system. Unlike developed nations where public representatives are directly elected, South Africa's proportional list system means that we vote for parties, which then appoint representatives on our behalf. This raises a critical question: how can we claim to have a government of the people, by the people, for the people, as proclaimed to be the Constitutional principles for a democratic South Africa - when we cannot directly elect or hold our public representatives accountable? Moreover, the mechanisms to petition and recall public representatives who no longer serve the public mandate are either weak or non-existent, the latter being my view on the sentiment. Our excessive reliance on politicians to make decisions on our behalf, coupled with our lack of active participation in the decision-making process through public engagements, leaves us utterly disempowered. We have effectively become captives of our own making, surrendering our rights to a select few who govern on behalf of the majority. It is imperative for South Africans, particularly the youth, to become more engaged, either one likes politics or not, because politics affects all our lives in one way or another. No holy spirit will come down and address the socio-economic, race and political questions on our behalf. Understanding the intricate dynamics of our socio-political landscape is crucial. Active participation in civic duties and the political process is not just a right but a responsibility. We must reclaim our power and ensure that our voices are heard, our needs addressed, and our public representatives are held accountable. Engage, South Africans. Engage, young people of our beautiful country. A luta continua on this National Youth Day and I wish all Fellow South Africans, compatriots, patriots and peace loving citizens of our beloved country, and in particular my fellow young south africans a fruitful National Youth Month. 🇿🇦

Tinashe Ngirandi on Public Policies in Africa: Time for African Presidents to have Special Youth Advisors/Envoys - The Kenyan Gen Z Demonstration as a Case Study FULL ARTICLE ON FACEBOOK - this is just a paraphrasing. Africa's youth population is the world's largest, presenting immense potential. Yet, many African governments struggle to engage this demographic. The recent Gen Z protests in Kenya highlight the growing disconnect between young Africans and their political leadership. Countries like Rwanda have leveraged youth talent, but most nations fail to forge meaningful connections. Youth often feel alienated from government priorities and decision-making. Ministries for youth lack the resources and influence to align policies with youth needs. I believe African presidents should establish dedicated youth advisory roles in their offices. This would provide real-time insights into youth concerns and ensure their perspectives are integrated into policymaking. The Kenyan protests underscore the urgent need for this mechanism to bridge the elite-youth divide. Presidential youth advisors could harness Africa's youthful potential as agents of positive change. Countries like Rwanda, which have embraced this model, have seen enhanced youth engagement and more responsive governance. This should be a priority for African leaders.

Mosaic: Interfaith Youth Action needs your support in advocating as the Conference Committee prepares to vote on the FY2025 budget. Our organization is listed under line item 7061-9815, which allocates $25,000 in support for our programs in the upcoming year. This funding is crucial for Mosaic’s mission to empower youth during their identity development stage. Our interfaith programs equip young people with the skills and experiences needed to bridge divides and foster mutual understanding, which is especially important given the current rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. We need your help to ensure that our funding is secured. I kindly ask you to reach out to the members of the Conference Committee and advocate for the inclusion of line item 7061-9815 in the FY2025 budget. Your voice can make a significant difference in highlighting the importance of our work and the impact we have on fostering inclusive and resilient communities. Your timely action is greatly appreciated as we work together to ensure the continuation and expansion of our vital programs. Thank you for your dedication and support. Conference Committee Members: Aaron Michlewitz (Co-Chair): [email protected] Mike Rodrigues (Co-Chair): [email protected] Ann-Margaret Ferrante: [email protected] Cindy Friedman: [email protected] Todd Smola: [email protected] Patrick O'Connor: [email protected] Attached is a template you may use when emailing these elected officials

#southafrica #FreedomDay #30yearsofdemocracy 'As 72-year-old Nonki Kunene walks through the corridors of Thabisang Primary School in Soweto, South Africa, she recalls the joy she and many others felt 30 years ago when they voted for the first time. It was at this school on April 27, 1994, that Kunene joined millions of South Africans to brave long queues and take part in the country’s first democratic elections after decades of white minority rule which denied Black people the right to vote. “I cannot forget how we suffered at the hands of whites. In the city at night, there were white bikers with hair like this (describing a mohawk-like hairstyle) who would brutally assault a Black person if they saw them walking on a pavement. Those white boys were cruel,” said 87-year-old Lily Makhanya, whose late husband died while working in the anti-apartheid movement’s underground structures. “If they saw you walking on the pavement, you would be assaulted so badly and left for dead.” For Makhanya and many others who stood in those queues to vote in 1994, it represented a turning point from a brutal past to the promise of a prosperous future. But 30 years later, much of that optimism has evaporated amid the country’s pressing challenges. They include widening inequality as the country’s Black majority continues to live in poverty with an unemployment rate of more than 32%, the highest in the world. According to official statistics, more than 16 million South Africans rely on monthly welfare grants for survival. Areas like the affluent Johannesburg suburb of Sandton, which hosts beautiful skyscrapers and luxurious homes, are an example of the economic success enjoyed by a minority of the country’s 60 million people. But the township of Alexandra, which lies a few kilometers (miles) from Sandton, is a stark reflection of the living conditions of the country’s poor Black majority, where sewage from burst pipes flows on the streets and uncollected rubbish piles up on pavements.'

CALL TO ACTION: Be the change you wish to see in the world! 🌍❤️ We need to be the difference we all crave in this country. Be the person who reminds the next person how great humanity can be. Take action to bring about positive change is crucial in creating a better society. Here’s how you can contribute to positive change 🤝: 1. Lead by Example: Embody the values of respect, compassion, and inclusivity in your daily interactions with others. Treat everyone with dignity and kindness, regardless of their background or beliefs. 2. Advocate for Human Rights: Speak out against injustices and advocate for the protection of human rights in your community. Support organisations and initiatives working to promote equality, justice, and human dignity. 3. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about human rights issues affecting South Africa and the world. Educate yourself about the root causes of inequality and discrimination and share your knowledge with others to raise awareness and foster empathy. 4. Support Marginalised Communities: Stand in solidarity with marginalised and vulnerable groups. Amplify their voices, support their initiatives, and advocate for policies that address their needs and protect their rights. 5. Combat Discrimination and Xenophobia: Challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviours in your community. Foster understanding and empathy by engaging in dialogue and promoting cultural exchange. 6. Promote Civic Engagement: Encourage active participation in democratic processes and civic life. Vote in elections, engage with elected officials, and participate in community organising efforts to advocate for policies that reflect the values of justice, equality, and human rights. 7. Address Socio-economic Inequality: Support initiatives aimed at addressing poverty, unemployment, and socio-economic inequality in South Africa. Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to organisations working to uplift disadvantaged communities and promote sustainable development. 8. Foster Empowerment and Unity: Empower individuals and communities to take control of their own destinies and work together towards common goals. Foster a sense of unity and solidarity across diverse backgrounds and experiences. Remember, even small actions can have a ripple effect and contribute to positive change. By being the change, you wish to see and inspiring others to do the same, you can help create a more just, inclusive, and compassionate society in South Africa. #BeTheChange #HumanRightsDay #CommunityAction #TogetherWeCan #CreateChange

Happy International Youth Day!🌍 Today, we celebrate the energy, creativity, and potential of young people around the world, including right here in Kenya. As we mark this day, let's recognize the incredible contributions youth make in shaping our societies and driving positive change. Kenya's youth have been at the forefront of advocating for social justice, democracy, and human rights. Recent protests led by young Kenyans have not only raised awareness on critical issues like police brutality,nepotism ,budgeted corruption, tribalism just to mention a few ,but have also driven tangible, positive change in our communities. These movements underscore the power of youth to hold leaders accountable and push for a more just and equitable society. Let's continue to invest in our youth, amplify their voices, and support their efforts to create a better future for all. #InternationalYouthDay #YouthEmpowerment #Sustainability #GreenSkills #YouthLeadership #FutureLeaders #KenyaYouth

Empowered Youth Drive Inspiring Change for Democracy in Africa

Our CEO, Jacob Olonde took part in the High-level panel on priorities of young people regarding the Summit of the Future and the reinforcement of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. This event took place on the Tenth session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. Participants welcomed the appointment of an Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs, the first position of its kind in the history of the United Nations, symbolizing the significance of youth issues in the institutional structure of the United Nations system. Participants noted that progress towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals was severely off track and that the Summit of the Future provided an opportunity for young people to become the drivers of development. In preparation for the Summit, the Pan-African Youth Union would be holding a regional consultation in April 2024 with youth councils across Africa in order to finalize a common African position on youth. In the light of the discussion, the Forum agreed that members of ECA and development partners should: (a) Involve young people in all decision-making processes and thus create opportunities that transform development outcomes, resulting in stronger, more inclusive societies; (b) Commit themselves to bridging the digital divide by addressing the skills gap and skills mismatch to prepare young people for a better future; (c) Establish funding mechanisms for start-ups, with the aim of supporting innovation among young people; (d) Invest in infrastructure and establish systems that support the teaching of science, technology and innovation to young people to enable them to conceive, test and develop new ideas; (e) Expand access to comprehensive sexual health education and awareness-raising efforts, with a view to ending teenage parenthood, breaking the poverty cycle, empowering young people and creating productive opportunities for them, resulting in improved mental health support and reduced opportunities for their radicalization; (f) Strengthen existing structures involving young people by ensuring that they are funded sustainably, to enable young people to engage meaningfully in development processes. Innocent O. Deckoks Omil @audrey

We hope you had a beautiful weekend. Some of you are still enjoying a long weekend, we hope that's going well too 😎 As we see the end of our series on youth empowerment, we are sharing about Research and Advocacy - Shaping Better Policies for African Youth. Empowering the African youth requires a deep understanding of their challenges and the systemic changes needed to support their growth. Through research and advocacy, we can identify key issues, develop evidence-based solutions, and influence policies that create a supportive environment for young Africans. By gathering data, analysing trends, and engaging in policy dialogue, organisations, especially youth led can effectively advocate for changes that address the needs and challenges faced by youth. Examples of using Research and Advocacy to Empower Youths can be: - Campaign for Mental Health Awareness: A successful campaign that raises awareness about mental health issues among youth and advocates for the integration of mental health services in schools and communities. - Lobbying for Digital Inclusion: Advocacy efforts that leads to policy changes promoting digital literacy and access to technology for young people in underserved areas. #YouthEmpowerment #ResearchAndAdvocacy #PolicyChange #AfricanYouth #MomentswithDrWeyoms 🎥 Through research in nutrition and physical activity, Dr Weyoms at a point (2017-2022, PhD) and still is advocating for optimal nutrition, green spaces for recreation and physical activity for young people. You don't need a PhD to start though 😎😉