Religious leaders have introduced the ‘youths and skills development program’ aimed at empowering the youths to achieve a sustainable livelihood.
The program includes a communication department where youths can register and receive free training in various skills such as photography, social media interactions and even beading.
These skills equip them with knowledge that is needed to address issues in the community. The participants were youths from different mosques, churches and learning institutions from Bungoma including Kibabii and Sang’alo institute.
Joy Wandabwa who works with the Program for The Christian Muslim Relations in Africa’ (PROCMURA) revealed that the program is also focusing on peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslims, it also addresses societal issues like religious tolerance with hope of fostering mutual respect within the community community.
“We want to build the capacity of future leaders, so that they can be able to understand how to advance discussions on Christian-Muslim relations and learn to accommodate each other in these spaces,” she noted.
She also highlighted that youths face challenges like unemployment, poverty, radicalization and violence extremism stressing that involving them in this conversations are crucial for Bungoma county’s development.
Imam Malik Mohammed Kipsang emphasized the importance of peace as he warned the youths against being misled by negative influences.
Similarly, Reverent John Bwire, an Anglican priest urged religious leaders to be at the fore front in promoting peaceful co-existence because it’s their duty. He stated that they targeted the young people because they are the majority in churches and mosques.
“They have the energy, availability and because of the numerous challenges they face, they are the primary target, once empowered with religious values, they can be effective in spreading the message” Bwire concluded.
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