Anthony Njagi
30 May 2004
Nairobi — A Kenyan youth delegation is headed for a major conference in Mexico.
The Kenya Network will present dance, and drama shows and mount a fine art exhibition at the Youth Employment Summit Campaign in Veracruz from October 4-7. The presentation is meant to showcase Kenya's artistic and cultural heritage to delegates from more than 100 countries.
Yes Kenya Country coordinator Gathecha Kamau says they will present cultural artefacts, including akala (sandals), fabrics such as kitenge and batiks, ciondo and other items that portraying the Kenyan cultural heritage.
The Kenyan delegation is made up of groups involved in youth activities and those who have excelled in entrepreneurship.
"The summit is a forum for Kenyan youth to show their innovativeness in using arts and culture as a means of creating employment," says Gathecha.
The summit is an international body which seeks to create employment for youth. Yes Kenya is among more than 40 groups from Africa which belong to the lobby group. Locally, Yes Kenya has a network of youth groups from all over the country.
Yes Kenya is also mounting awareness campaigns targeting youth groups on HIV/Aids, environmental protection, and theatre. During the last Youth Summit in Alexandria, Egypt, the Kenyans exhibited akala, traditional garments and works of art.
More than 1,600 delegates from 120 countries, including 45 Cabinet ministers, met to develop a concerted response to the problems faced by unemployed youth.
Gathecha told Lifestyle that "the Yes Kenya Campaign focuses on building awareness among the Government, NGOs, the private sector and donors on the gravity of the crisis of youth unemployment and spur them to action."
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