By Nuru Salim.
Over 500 youths from across Kwale County gathered in Lunga Lunga to mark the official launch of Youth for Sustainable World (YSW), a newly rebranded and fully localized youth-led organization.
This transition from the international Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW), which has operated for 25 years, signaled a major shift as now YSW aims to empower young people through a localized model focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), socio-economic inclusion, advocacy, and fighting for their rights.
The rebranding event, held in partnership with the County Government of Kwale and key youth organizations, signaled a strategic shift to a youth-centered, community-driven approach.
Philis Wabwire, YSW’s Programs and Advocacy Coordinator, emphasized the organization’s renewed vision.
“We’ve involved youth here today because they’re the epicenter of our programs. As we move forward as a Kenyan-led entity, we are focused on empowering young women and girls to live healthy, sustainable lives socially, and economically.”
YSW’s transformation comes at a critical time when youth in Kwale continue to grapple with challenges such as early pregnancies, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare.
Wabwire noted that a multi-sectoral approach, including school-based and out-of-school interventions, remains vital in tackling these issues.
“We empower learners in schools and youth in communities through clubs and dialogues. These platforms help them make informed choices about their sexuality and understand their rights,” she added.
Mohammed Machakure, County Adolescent Health Coordinator welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to empowering young people through the health sector.
“Through partnerships with youth organizations like YSW, we are determined to ensure youths live quality lives. Data collection helps us identify areas most affected by issues like early pregnancies, allowing us to tailor awareness programs.”
Machakure revealed that 70 percent of doctors in Kwale are youths, signaling a generational shift in the health workforce and youth inclusivity.
“Youth must not shy away from seeking services such as contraceptives due to stigma. Health facilities prioritize young people, there’s no need to resort to unsafe alternatives that would render your health at a greater risk,” he added.
The event also served as a platform to encourage youth civic engagement. Rather than resorting to protests or unrest, they were urged to voice their concerns through public forums like budget hearings and participatory development planning.
John Githinji, Director of Youth Affairs for Lunga Lunga and Msambweni sub-counties, highlighted the national government’s ongoing support through projects like NYOTA (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement) and training initiatives targeting unemployed and vulnerable youths.
“Our focus is to ensure the youth vulnerable groups have access to skills and education that enable them to contribute to national development,” he said.
‘’The government offers youth platforms like NYOTA which gives the youth an opportunity to uphold their development through support in business and education’’ He added.
The event incorporated creative arts, including poetry and theatre, to demystify SRHR and promote youth awareness on their rights to health and wellbeing in the society.
YSW’s decentralized model allows it to operate with flexibility and accountability, aligning interventions with the needs of the communities it serves. Mini-launches have been held across the counties where YSW is active, underscoring its intent to deepen engagement with stakeholders and amplify youth voices at the grassroots level.
“Being recognized as a Kenyan organization grants us autonomy. We can now adapt faster, respond better, and stay rooted in our communities to tackle issues affecting youth with adaptability, responsiveness and youth-centred approach,” Wabwire explained.
‘’This strategic shift allows the organization to align more closely with its mission and vision.’’ She added.
