“Due to the training acquired from  the project and established good working relationship with County Government of Busia, I am extremely happy to have been involved in raising awareness on the Corona virus as well as distribution of food stuff to less fortunate people in Funyula constituency during this pandemic” Vincent Matamba, elected youth delegate. 

The Fountain Youth Initiative project aimed at empowering youths in Funyula constituency Busia County Kenya, to actively participate in decision making and development of their community.  

“The information that we have  acquired  on  covid-19  and  personal  hygiene from  Amplify  Our  Voices Project has enabled young people from Funyula  constituency  to educate  other  members of   our   community   thus reducing   the   spread   of Corona  virus”  Lilian Auma, project participant  from  Bwiri ward of Funyula constituency 

Over the course of their implementation period, the team achieved the below three key results: 

• Establishment of Imarisha Youth Network that has 24,951 registered members that are young people aged 18-35 years from Funyula constituency. Imarisha Youth Network is managed by 20 elected youth delegates who continue to represent young people at constituency and county level on issues regarding decision making and development of their community. 

• Trainings to over 30 000 young people aged 18-35 from Namboboto ward, Bwiri ward, Ageng’a ward and Nangina ward of Funyula constituency who were capacity strengthened with adequate knowledge on communication, leadership, resource mobilisation, basic business skills, existing opportunities, value chain and how to prevent covid-19. As a result, approximately 60% of them have sustainable source of income through establishing their own business or securing employment. 
• Built a good working rapport between the young people from Funyula constituency and local leaders. This has contributed to local young people being included in decision making and development conversations of the local community. As a result, one youth, Mr. Vincent Matamba has been appointed to serve on the board of Constituency Development Fund of Funyula constituency and young people partnering with Ministry of Health for County Government of Busia to implementCOVID-19 response project. 

A key lesson learnt is the importance of establishing structured partnership with only likeminded organisations to facilitate successful implementation of project activities. The team also learnt the importance of effective communication with different stakeholders while implementing a project thus reducing misunderstanding and delay in executing project activities.