Since 2019, we have proudly hosted seven Master’s students from Utrecht University for internships at our organization. As part of their internship, they have each conducted invaluable research on the impact of our programs and the situation of young people in Kibera. Their findings not only help us understand our successes but also highlight areas for improvement and shed light on the challenges faced by our program participants.
Through interviews, surveys, and focus groups, they have taken the time to interact with the young people we work with and understand their perspectives. They have also reviewed best practices and key theories that place our work in a broader context. This information has been instrumental in shaping our programs and ensuring that they effectively meet the community’s needs.
Key Themes from the Research
1. What We Are Doing Well: Many program participants have shared how our programs have positively impacted their lives, helping them gain skills, confidence, and opportunities to earn income.
A Two Way Street. Empowerment Defined through the Perspective of Youth at Uweza Foundation, Dana Alajaji, 2019
2. Areas for Improvement: While there are many successes, the research has also highlighted ways we can improve. These insights guide us in refining our initiatives to better serve the community.
3. Understanding Context: The students’ research emphasizes the larger context affecting young people in Kibera, including socio-economic factors, cultural influences, and systemic issues. By exploring these dynamics, we can tailor our programs to address the root causes of the challenges they face and create more effective, holistic solutions.
Stigma carries significant implications, including the fear of discussing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR)-related topics, as it generates feelings of shame, guilt, and social isolation…This was evident among youth in Kibera, with most participants expressing discomfort when discussing SRHR matters with their parents or guardians. A culture of silence prevails, leading young individuals to keep questions about sex to themselves, resulting in uninformed SRHR decisions.
Sexual Reproductive Health Services and Rights (SRHR) from the Perspective of Youth Growing Up in Kibera, Nairobi, Britte Kloppers, 2023
4. Community Engagement: It has always been important to us to involve our program participants in program design and development. Engaging directly with young people allows us to create more relevant and impactful solutions.
We are grateful to all the interns for their time and effort in conducting high-quality research that enables us to learn and grow. For a deeper dive into their findings, visit our Research page here.
