Since time immemorial, the boy child has benefited from the warm and stewardship of a caring society that provided guidance, mentorship, and direction. Rites of passage moulded boys to be great and cultivated ideals and virtues.
That has changed. A fast-paced society, globalisation and survival of the fittest have denied the boy child in Kenya the all-important direction for survival, life skills and growth. Boys are now resigning to fate: drug abuse, immorality and crime. They are not unleashing their potential in areas of their choice: education, sports, craftsmanship among others.
To respond to this, KCDF, started MENTENDA, an initiative that is inspiring society to move from inertness to action on the pressing challenges facing the boy child in Kenya.
MENTENDA, a brand that connotes ‘men taking action’ is a transformative mentorship and role-modeling initiative that is bringing various partners to nurture and mentor boys between the ages 14-25 years to become confident and responsible men while unlocking their potential to become leaders in their spaces of influence.
Why this Initiative?
The boy child has received far less societal leadership, family guidance, and poor transfer of life skills from one generation to another. This phenomena, coupled with a weakening sense of counsel, protection, recognition and most importantly – love have made the boy child vulnerable to societal vices and a weak sense of self identity creating a growing challenge to families, communities and the nation at large.
MENTENDA, a brand that connotes men taking action is a transformative mentorship and role modelling initiative that is bringing various partners to nurture and mentor boys between the ages 14-25 years to become confident and responsible men while unlocking their potential to become leaders in their spaces of influence.
Programme Strategy
Through working with partners, the initiative has adopted the following programme strategies:
- Peer-to-peer interactions among and across high school boys.
- Public dialogue through talk show discussions on diverse media platforms.
- Inspirational, motivational and career talks.
- Community and corporate sector involvement through in school mentorship and involvement of old boys (alumni).
- Promoting community service among youth-volunteerism.
The topics covered in this initiative include:
- Definition of a man
- Values for greatness
- Responsible sexuality
- Career development
- Building character for success
- Challenges of masculinity
- Servant leadership
- Positive patriotism
- Building self-confidence
- Conflict resolution
- Community service
The overall long-term outcome of the initiative is to see young men become men of honor who recognize and unlock their potential of being leaders in their areas of influence while displaying confidence, responsibility and a renewed sense of giving back.
The short-term to mid-term outcomes expected from the initiative are boys with improved academic performance and discipline, a higher transition rate through the school system, strengthened family and societal values, youth with strong community connections and volunteerism culture, and enhanced career and life skills opportunities for the boys.
Get Involved
Building confident, well-moulded, and visionary young men who recognise and unlock their potential will drive growth in the country and reduce their vulnerability to crime, immorality, and drugs. Investing in the boy child is, therefore, investing in cohesion and prosperity.
One can be part of this great initiative through these various channels:
- Become a Sponsor Adopt one school of your choice at a cost of KShs. 500,000 per year, a school within a radius of 100 Kms from Nairobi County. The school must demonstrate interest and commitment to the initiative.
- Become a Champion or Mentor Provide opportunities for KCDF to recruit men of integrity as champions or mentors within your networks. Connect KCDF to potential schools that have shown interest and commitment for the initiative.
- Become a Participating MENTENDA School Schools willing to be part of the initiative must demonstrate interest and commitment for the initiative.
