Plan International Kenya

We are thrilled to have successfully concluded the #RootsAndShoots introductory training to over 10 Youth-Led organizations from Kwale and Kilifi County in Kenya with a bust of energy! Through a beach clean -up simulation exercise, the team who over the past week successfully underwent a Roots and Shoots methodology training organized by Plan International Kenya and Jane Goodall Institute Global who are collaboratively implementing the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (COSME) Project in Kenya and Tanzania put to action the lessons learnt. Key approaches for the methodology include: • Encouraging youths to engage in activities that enhance environmental conservation while including the community members such as beach clean-ups, tree growing using Youth friendly methodologies such as football tournaments, music or arts that demonstrate care to the environment and care to humanity a key theme • Cascading the Roots&Shoots methodology to fellow youth to equip them with the Roots and Shoots methodology skills that prioritize Positive Youth Development (PYD) • Establishing shared learning networks to promote mentorship and collaboration among youths. The exercise incorporated simulations on how youths can leverage photo voice for advocacy to demonstrate there work through participatory photography and digital storytelling in influencing community engagement. These action plans focus on raising awareness about roots and shoots methodology in Kenya hence promoting intersectional gender inclusive sustainable #ClimateJustice. A big thank you to our funders Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada , partners the The Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania and TIMIZA YOUTH a youth-led C.B.O for hosting the Mazingira Park beach clean-up. #TogetherWeCanTogetherWeWillWeMustChangeTheWorld! Youth for Sustainable Development, County Government of Kilifi Kilifi Climate Change and Governance Platform, TUUNGANE CBO KILIFI SambaSports Youth Agenda KWALE FOCUS CBO Lilian Wandaka Jenard Mwangangi Patrick M. Beryl Oduor Nancy Karugi Dennis Kinoti Lilian Mathu, MPRSK Mediatrix Okello HARRIET OSIMBO OMUSEBE Leticia Achungo Jane Goodall Institute Global Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada Kimani Mungai

🌟Young People: Leading the Charge on SRHR Advocacy Conversations🗣️🤝📢 From December 13th to 14th, youth delegates from Plan International Kenya, alongside their peers from Plan International - MEESA (Middle East, Eastern and Southern Africa) Youth Advisory Panel, joined other East African youth at the first-ever East African Youth Symposium on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Nairobi, Kenya. This trailblazing symposium was a hub of inspiration, aiming to empower and educate East African youth on SRHR for a healthier, more informed future. Across the two impactful days, critical issues were unpacked, including: 📌Gaps in SRHR education, 📌Access to youth-friendly SRHR services, 📌Aligning regional legislation with global health standards, 📌The East African SRHR Bill, and 📌 The intersection of SRHR, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), SRHR in emergencies and teenage pregnancy. Highlights from the event included: ✨ Charles Nyukuri, Regional Policy and Development Expert at Plan International MEESA, facilitated a pivotal session dissecting the East African SRHR Bill. The panel's insights traced the bill’s evolution and emphasized the need for grassroots efforts to localize its impact. The key takeaway: Young people must take the lead in familiarizing themselves with the bill to champion its implementation. ✨ The Plan International youth delegation was also a part of a panel discussion moderated by Pauline Njoroge that spearheaded a vibrant discussion on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), SRHR in emergencies and the intersection between SRHR and Economic empowerment of young people presenting sharp advocacy pointers and key asks to decision and policy makers. ✨Some of their key recommendations were centered on the translation of the EAC SRHR Bill into East African Languages such as Swahili, and the economic empowerment of young people to be able to gain access to better opportunities as well as ensuring that differently abled persons' rights are considered in the bill. A good start of this would be ensuring that the bill could be accessed and produced in braille form. The session was culminated with a sanitary towel distribution to the girls and young women present. ✨ In attendance were: Chipo Muchabaiwa PhD, Plan International's MEESA Regional Youth Engagement Lead, Nahashon Gulali, Youth Advisor at Plan International Kenya, Pauline Njoroge , SRHR Advisor and Annah Katuki , Gender and Inclusion Advisor at Plan International Kenya. This milestone event was made possible by the unwavering collaboration of partners from the East African Youth Network giving testament to the power of African youth transcending barriers to table the conversations that matter the most. 🤝To a future where young voices shape the narrative and influence the policies that determine their health, rights, and futures! 🌍💡.

🚨 Applications Are Open: Lead(H)er Fellowship 4th Cohort! 🚨 Are you a young woman from Eastern or Southern Africa, or the Middle East, passionate about driving change and leading in your community? The Lead(H)er Fellowship is your chance to make a difference and shape the future in politics, economics/business, and peace and security. Why Join the Lead(H)er Fellowship? ✨ Transform your leadership journey with guidance from expert mentors. ✨ Gain hands-on experience through a 5-month hybrid program (virtual + in-person). ✨ Connect with a vibrant regional network of changemakers. ✨ Enjoy fully covered internet packages to ensure smooth participation. Who Can Apply? If you’re 25 years or younger and a national/resident of an eligible country namely:Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Zambia, Somalia, Sudan, Egypt and Zimbabwe, this opportunity is for you! ⏳ Deadline: December 20th, 2024 @11:45 p.m. 🔗 Apply now: Click here to apply: https://lnkd.in/eYFuCQ7u #LeadHerFellowship #WomenLeadership #AfricanYouth #Youth #Empowerment #PeaceAndSecurity #EconomicGovernance #PoliticalParticipation

Over the past 5 days ,Plan International Kenya and Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania who are collaboratively implementing the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (#COSME) Project in Kenya and Tanzania successfully conducted the #Roots& #Shoots Model Training to #YouthLedOrganizations' from Kwale and Kilifi Counties. These dedicated Youth-led Organizations' who will in turn train other youths, will be #pioneering the establishment of Roots & Shoots groups within their communities in Kenya! This journey began earlier this year when we were privileged to meet the inspiring Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace and founder of Roots & Shoots program which through her dedication to supporting youth the program has grown from Tanzania to a global movement that has  paved the way for youth-led environmental projects. 🌱💪 This Roots & Shoots Methodology by The Jane Goodall Institute that amplifies care for humanity, animals and community 🌿💚, will significantly contribute to the COSME Project’s goal for climate resilience and promoting equitable economies for communities relying on coastal and marine ecosystems. We are thrilled to kick start this journey in coastal Kenya! 🌊🤝 "#TogetherWeCanTogetherWeWillWeMustChangeTheWorld!" 🌟✊ KWALE FOCUS CBO SambaSports Youth Agenda TIMIZA YOUTH KILIFI YOUTH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TUUNGANE CBO KILIFI Kwetu Training Centre @Kwale Youth and Governance Consortium #KCCGP KE @Jamii action Centre @Human Development Agenda Jenard Mwangangi Patrick M. Lilian Wandaka Beryl Oduor Agneta Alubala Lilian Mathu, MPRSK Mediatrix Okello HARRIET OSIMBO OMUSEBE Leticia Achungo

🌟 Empowering Change: She Leads 3rd GYW Summit in Diani, Kwale County Reflecting on the She Leads Program Kenya's 3rd Girls and Young Women (GYW) Summit in the picturesque Diani, Kwale County; the three-day event held at the end of November under the theme: “SUSTAINING THE EFFORTS OF GYW SOCIAL MOVEMENT”, aligned with the global commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The summit celebrated the remarkable journey and advocacy milestones achieved by GYWs while focusing on ensuring the sustainability of these efforts. Key objectives included: ✅ Sharing Best Practices: Strengthening relationships between GYW and key stakeholders while tracking progress beyond 2025. ✅ Identifying Challenges & Opportunities: Exploring solutions to anchor social movements and sustain advocacy initiatives. ✅ Driving Policy Dialogues: Promoting gender-responsive policies to address GBV and resource gaps, ensuring full inclusion of GYWs in social movements. 💡 Key Outcomes: ✅ Strengthened networks and collaborations between GYW, partners, and stakeholders, creating effective support systems for ongoing advocacy. ✅A communiqué presented to the Kwale County Government, outlining key issues and actionable solutions identified by GYW. Hearing from Latifah Wangui, a GYW, "The summit provided an excellent platform for girls from various counties to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another's strengths and advocacy efforts. It was inspiring to see girls take the lead in organizing the event, from planning and designing the program to moderating the panel discussions. Additionally, hearing from women leaders served as a valuable mentorship opportunity for all the girls present at the summit. Insights were shared by notable figures such as Edna Indimuli from Plan International Kenya, Muthoki Ngina from FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network, representatives from GYW at POLYCOM GIRLS 💛💙💖, and Joy Matheka from the Kenya Alliance For Advancement of Children who emphasized that girls have boundless potential. The experience also allowed the girls to focus on self-care and emotional well-being, making it both insightful and enjoyable." This summit was more than an event—it was a platform for mentorship, innovation, and unity in the pursuit of gender equality. #SheLeads #GYWSummit2024 #GenderEquality #16DaysOfActivism #AdvocacyInAction

“Tuungane tumalize dhulma ya kijinsia” Swahili for “Let’s unite to end Gender-Based Violence” We’re delighted to join the world in advocating for gender equality and women’s rights during the #16DaysofActivism to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV). As we mark the culmination of the 16 Days of Activism, the world also commemorates Human Rights Day, themed “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”. Access and use of information has been significant in amplifying key messages to ensure that citizens, including those in the grassroots understand ‘the why’ of such campaigns. There is need for access to information; - On the role of parents or guardians in ending Gender-Based Violence. - On the role of community and its leaders in ensuring that their respective communities live free from violence and transform harmful social norms. - To ensure State and non-State Actors adopt and implement gender-responsive policies. Collectively, each one of us has a role to play in addressing all aspects of violence. Here's the media coverage from the roadshow; ✓NTV;https://lnkd.in/d_uUShfz ✓KBC; https://lnkd.in/dRkHJQ7E ✓K24; https://lnkd.in/d7uM6eiu ✓Inooro TV; https://lnkd.in/dmE6R6uR Our special gratitude to our partners in Isiolo for rallying behind us and working tirelessly with us in ensuring that we raise awareness as we toured various grassroots in Ngaremara, Burat and Kambi ya Juu among other places. We appreciate the National Government, County Government, Horn of Africa Institute, Isiolo Advocacy Network, Isiolo Voice of Women, Women for Change Initiative, Isiolo Gender Watch, Sky Odha, Naret, 4 My Daughter, Rangerlands Users Initiative and Ever Ready Grassroots Network. The #GBV Prevention and Response in the Horn of Africa project is funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in conjunction with Plan International Kenya and the Women-led Organisations in Isiolo. Photography by: Josiah Kibet

"We stand in solidarity with girls and young women to end Gender-Based Violence" Opinion Piece by Plan International Kenya Country Director George Otim via Standard Group PLC With our Global Campaign #UniteForPeace, we’re standing in solidarity with girls and young women living in conflict around the world. This is a call to action to State and Non-State actors to ensure that voices of girls, young women and the youth in general are heard and have a powerful role to play in shaping their own futures free from violence. Read the State of the World’s Girls Report 2024 dubbed "Still We Dream: Girls and young people living through conflict'> https://lnkd.in/eFUVrCxn #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #HumanRightsDay George Otim Plan International Plan International - MEESA (Middle East, Eastern and Southern Africa) HARRIET OSIMBO OMUSEBE Munyaradzi Malunga Pauline Kedogo Anubi Lilian Mathu, MPRSK Mediatrix Okello

🚨 We’re live on Spice FM! Join us on #TheSituationRoom as we amplify the conversation around the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Together, we can create a safer world for all. 💜 📻 Tune in this morning and be part of the conversation! #LetsEndGBV #16DaysOfActivism #StopGBV

This #16Days, we’re asking for your support ❤️. #UniteForPeace and call for decision makers around the world to take action for girls in conflict. It’s critical 💪🏾 #EndGBV #NoExcuse.

🚨 Important Conversations Ahead! 🚨 Join us tomorrow at 2:00 PM live on KTN for a pivotal public baraza as we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. 🟧 Key stakeholders will take the stage to champion this cause, including our very own Gender and Inclusion Advisor, Annah Katuki, who with other panelists will shed light on the Beijing+30 Commitments. Our young Girl advocates and Male champions will also be part of the conversation. Let’s stand together, raise our voices, and take action to end violence against women and girls. 💪✨ #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #Beijing30 #GenderEquality #InclusionMatters #UniteForPeace