By Maureen Mukhongo | Program Coordinator
Prelude
The month of August marks six months since the COVID-19 pandemic was announced in Kenya. Despite many challenges, Good Kenyan has found new ways of embracing and surviving in the new normal. We have continued to soldier on to recruit mentors for the previous Cohort, recruit new students, and respond to the needs of our former students by providing a food aid package. We continue to stay aware of the challenges they are facing, and endeavor to stay in touch with our students frequently.
The following are the highlights of our August activities.
I. MENTORSHIP
For the very first time, mentors and former students are undergoing full virtual Mentorship. Mentorship is a key pillar in our program and we were sure that we didn’t want the students to miss it. We organized two virtual pieces of training for the Mentors which was well attended and two sessions for the students to prepare them for the Mentorship journey. So far, all students and their Mentors have had at least two Zoom meetings, a couple of phone calls, and a WhatsApp call. Impressive reports continue to trickle in after each meeting.
II. RECRUITMENT C8
The next Cohort was due to report to Good Kenyan. So, using posters, word of mouth, and online forms, we attracted a total of 57 youth who were interested in the program. In recruiting this cohort we have partnered with Oigara Community Foundation who had an influx of youth available to them and who were interested in a youth program,
After a first phone call interview, the list of shortlisted students came to 36. We are scheduled for the 2nd and final Interviews via Zoom during the last week of August, after which we hope to admit 30 students. We plan to run two groups of about 15 each on this cohort: 8A and 8B or they shall rename themselves, once oriented. Opening day is set for 9th Sept 2020 and we look forward to starting virtual classes.
III. TRAINING OF TRAINERS
With the emerging and changing trends, it became apparent that the trainers needed to sharpen their virtual training skills. It is in response to this that we held a Training of Trainers and Curriculum sharing meeting. Trainers were trained on various tips and tricks to make their classes engaging and productive via Zoom. They also shared their anticipated curriculum ahead of the new Cohort coming in Sept 2020.
The Trainers will be expected to prepare well for their classes, ensure 40-minute classes for maximum productivity, use ice-breakers and other interesting class ideas to engage the students further.
IV. FOOD AID
Food shortage is one of the challenges that our students face. This August, we donated a food package comprising of maize flour, rice, cereals (ndengu/beans), sugar, salt, and sanitary towels (for girls) to ten needy students. The students, who were identified as the neediest at this time, were appreciative as they received the packages. More continue to grapple with food shortage and low or no incomes, especially those coming from Kibera. We hope to continue giving food aid to those in dire need, as much as we are able.
CONCLUSION
In the months ahead, we hope to continue making an impact in the current as well as former students, engage more mentors and see the success of the current cohort that is the first fully virtual cohort. We look forward to your support.
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