Empowering the Youth. A Reflections from the Mariari Girls Youth Workshop
From 7th to 12th December 2025, Mariari Girls High School in Mutuobare Parish was filled with energy, reflection and growth as 69 young people gathered for a youth empowerment workshop supported by ACCRI/Caritas Embu. The workshop was designed to nurture young people holistically strengthening their faith, leadership capacity, discipline and personal development while addressing real-life challenges facing today’s youth.
A Space for Growth and Openness
From the very first day, the workshop created a safe and welcoming environment where youths felt free to speak, listen, learn, and support one another. Participation was active and consistent throughout the program, with young people engaging enthusiastically in discussions, group activities and team-building exercises. Facilitators ensured that sessions were interactive and relevant, allowing participants not just to receive information but to reflect deeply on their own lives and choices.
Topics That Matter
The workshop addressed a wide range of issues that directly affect young people today. Sessions focused on:
- Self-awareness and personal growth
- Leadership and responsibility
- Spiritual life and job opportunities
- Gender-based violence
- Drugs and substance abuse
- Career guidance
- Friendship, relationships, courtship, and marriage
- Stress management and mental health
Topics on relationships, courtship, and everyday youth challenges generated particularly rich discussions, highlighting the strong desire among participants for guidance and open conversation in these areas.
Building Unity and Confidence
One of the key strengths of the workshop was the emphasis on teamwork and shared learning. Through group work and team-building activities, youths developed stronger communication skills, built confidence, and learned the importance of unity and mutual respect. The sessions flowed smoothly, supported by generally good time management and a well-structured program.
Challenges and Learning Moments
As with any dynamic youth program, a few challenges were experienced. Some sessions started slightly late due to delayed arrivals, and highly engaging topics required more discussion time than originally planned. Occasional changes in weather also affected a few outdoor activities. However, these challenges provided valuable learning points for planning future workshops.
Looking Ahead: Recommendations
Based on the experience, several recommendations emerged:
Allocate more days or extended time slots for highly engaging topics.
Provide additional materials to support group discussions and practical activities.
Organize follow-up workshops to sustain the momentum and continue supporting the youths’ growth journey.
Gratitude and Partnership
We extend our sincere appreciation to ACCRI/Caritas Embu for their financial and moral support. Their contribution made it possible to successfully implement the workshop and positively impact the lives of many young people. This partnership is deeply valued, and we look forward to future collaborations aimed at empowering and nurturing the youth.
The Mariari Girls Youth Workshop was a meaningful and impactful experience marked by strong participation, honest conversations, and visible personal growth among the youths. Despite minor challenges, the objectives of the workshop were largely achieved, leaving participants better equipped to face life with confidence, purpose, and responsibility. We remain grateful to Caritas Embu/ACCRI for making this transformative initiative possible.
