Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) through the division of Research, Production and Extension (RPE) has incepted the “For Youth By Youth” program, a student-led initiative designed to empower young innovators and leaders within the campus and the community at large.
The program, which aims to provide resources, mentorship, and a platform for students to address real-world challenges through innovative solutions, is an initiative of a Zimbabwe-based organization called paNhari and the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities in the USA.
The program, sponsored by the MasterCard Foundation, recognizes and celebrates the diversity of ethical approaches to university civic engagement. It further supports engagement in all its forms including community-based research, applied research, service-learning, experiential learning, extension, volunteerism, public service, policymaking, and social entrepreneurship.
The program takes place for three years where the students work together and help build a powerful community space to share strategies and ideas, form lasting collegial ties, and build momentum for civic engagement.
The initiative is a result of the mission and vision of the two organizations in which they advocate for the universities’ collaboration with the communities – building relationships through a productive exchange of knowledge, ideas and practices to help come up with innovations and business principles that will help to improve the world.
While welcoming the two company representatives to JKUAT on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) for RPE, Prof. Jackson Kwanza said that the initiative is an opportunity for students to bring their ideas to life and create meaningful change in our community.
“I am delighted to have you in JKUAT today and we look forward to our students taking part in the program and being among
the team of many universities taking part in the training,” said Prof. Kwanza. “That will also be a move in helping the university work together with the community in providing solutions to the problems around,” he added.
Speaking during the event, the co-founder of the paNhari Organization, Mr. Phil Mlanda gave a highlight of what the program entails and what impact it has on the students. He emphasized that the main aim of the program is to help the students apply what they learn in class in the community through problem-solving.
“The FYBY program takes the student through several activities from training to mentorship, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills that students need. Forming networks, providing solutions and sharing what they have learnt with their peers,” noted Mr. Mlanda.
Further adding that the program contains three major phases: individual transformation (which involves leadership training, mental health and self-awareness); community promotion (where students work with the community to come up with innovative solutions to existing problems) and institutional transformation (where students make meaningful contribution to the processes of the institutions.)
On his part, the Director Extension Service and Community Outreach (ESCO) at RPE, Mr. Jeremiah Nyori thanked the two companies for the opportunity they offered for JKUAT students to enroll.
He encouraged the students to take up the opportunity as the program includes a series of workshops, hackathons, and leadership training sessions, all facilitated by industry professionals. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to pitch their projects to a panel of experts for funding and support.
This program exemplifies the power of student creativity and collaboration. ‘For Youth By Youth’ is not just about developing skills but it will also give students the tools to make a tangible impact to society.
