Empowering Out-of-School Adolescents Through Knowledge and Dialogue
Building informed, resilient, and empowered young people across Narok County
In 2025, ADS South Rift, with support from the WeWorld Pamoja Tudumishe Elimu Project, conducted a series of community-based forums targeting out-of-school adolescents and youth across Murua, Kisiriri, Olorroito, Naisoya, Nchurra Eshumata, JS Naeku and Olokuseroi hotspot areas. 406 (males 210, females 196) were reached through the forums. These interactive forums provided safe and inclusive spaces where young people could openly discuss issues affecting their health, wellbeing, and future aspirations. The sessions brought together healthcare providers, community leaders, and religious leaders to equip adolescents with accurate information and life skills needed to make informed decisions.
The primary objective of the forums was to empower out-of-school adolescents and youth with knowledge, practical life skills, and access to essential information on: Comprehensive Sexual Education, Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) services; Prevention of adolescent and teenage pregnancies; Women’s and girls’ rights; Prevention of harmful traditional practices (HTPs); and Available community support and referral services.
The initiative also sought to strengthen adolescents’ confidence to seek health services, protect their rights, and make positive choices that contribute to healthier and more productive lives.
Bringing Services Closer to Young People: The forums were facilitated by experienced healthcare providers, alongside religious leaders who encouraged positive behavioural change and reinforced the importance of community support in protecting adolescents. Through open discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and practical guidance, participants were encouraged to freely express their concerns while receiving factual and age-appropriate information in a respectful environment.
By taking these conversations directly to community hotspots and church settings, the project successfully reached adolescents who often miss school-based health education programmes, ensuring that no young person is left behind.
Outcomes of the Forums: The youth forums achieved several important outcomes, including:
- Increased awareness among adolescents on sexual and reproductive health and their rights.
- Improved knowledge on preventing teenage pregnancies and harmful traditional practices.
- Enhanced understanding of where and how to access youth-friendly health services.
- Greater confidence among young people to discuss sensitive issues and seek professional support.
- Stronger collaboration between healthcare providers, religious leaders, and communities in promoting adolescent wellbeing.
These forums also created trusted spaces where adolescents felt heard, respected, and supported, encouraging continuous engagement with community health systems.
Lasting Impact on Adolescents and Communities: The impact of these engagements extends beyond the individual participants. By equipping adolescents with accurate information and practical life skills, the forums contribute to: Reduced vulnerability to teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, Increased utilization of adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services. Improved self-esteem, decision-making, and personal responsibility among young people. Greater awareness of gender equality, women’s rights, and protection from harmful traditional practices. Stronger community support systems that foster safe, healthy, and empowering environments for adolescents.
Ultimately, the forums are helping to nurture a generation of informed, confident, and resilient young people who are better prepared to make responsible life choices, pursue opportunities, and contribute positively to their communities.
A Shared Commitment to Adolescent Wellbeing: ADSSouth Rift remains committed to creating opportunities that empower vulnerable adolescents and youth through education, mentorship, and access to essential services. Through the continued partnership with the WeWorld PamojaTudumishe Elimu Project, communities are becoming better equipped to support adolescents in overcoming challenges and realizing their full potential.
Together, we are creating safer communities where every adolescent has the knowledge, confidence, and opportunity to thrive!!
