KEMRI TAKES PART IN THE KISUMU COUNTY ADOLESCENT SYMPOSIUM
A team from the Eastern Africa Point of Care (EAPOC) Project based at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) participated in the Kisumu County Adolescent Symposium, which took place on February 29, 2025. The symposium was organised by Nyalenda Young Turks.
The thematic area focused on gender and health, and the purpose was to engage in panel discussions with adolescent peers, CSOs, and government officials on addressing adolescents’ perceptions that revolve around AYSRHR, education, and career choices.
Objective of the Activity were :
- To implement strategies used to minimize GBV cases among Adolescents.
- To identify strengths and weaknesses when engaging Adolescents in strategies to fight against GBV
- To promote Adolescents' involvement in decision-making at the career level, Governmental level, educational level, and Business level
- To promote male persons' involvement in the fight for GBV through strategies identified to seal the gap
The symposium attracted 178 attendees, (18-24 years 98 girls and young women; over 24 years: 35 men, 23 women 22 men) 5 County Government Officials participated in the ATSRHR (Adolescent Youth and Sexual Reproductive Health Right Services), SGBV (Sexual and Gender Based Violence), Career Choices and Education Symposium
Some of the lessons learnt during the symposium were that it was important to engage adolescents and youths in more similar discussions with parents and the community Peers on Parental Guidance and Responsibility, Personal Development Skills that would nurture them into responsible adults, and critical to address issues facing AYSRHR, SGBV, Education, and Career Choice
The meeting had other collaborators too that provided either financial or technical assistance as follows: Marie Stopes, CIHEB, Pamoja CBO, USAID/ Boresha Jamii, USAID for the Child, Kisumu county Government, plan International, She Leads, KEMRI, FIDA, Rekindle Hope.
