The Ni Sisi Ni Sasa Village at the People Dialogue Festival is a dedicated platform designed for participants under 18 years old, aimed at amplifying their voices and facilitating dialogue on complex democratic concepts in a language they can understand. This ensures their meaningful inclusion in democratic and governance processes. Over the course of the festival, the Ni Sisi Ni Sasa Village empowered students from 16 high school students to explore various themes such as community impact, Article 10 of the Kenyan constitution, digital rights, mental health, conservation, and global frameworks for sustainable development, among others. Through networking opportunities and access to mentors and role models, the village encouraged positive change and inspired youth to engage in democracy actively.

High Schools involved - Alliance High School, Loreto Convent Valley Road, Buruburu Girls’ High School, Nairobi Academy, Starehe Boys’ Centre, Starehe Girls’ Centre, Dandora Secondary School, MCEDO Secondary School, Genesis Joy Secondary School, Springview School, M-Pesa Foundation Academy, St. George’s Girls’ Secondary School, Kenswed Secondary School, Joytown Secondary School, Thika School for the Blind & Musa Gitau Girls’ Secondary School

Official Launch

The official launch of the Ni Sisi Ni Sasa village marked a significant milestone in empowering youth and enhancing their understanding of their role in democratic processes. Positioned as a space of enlightenment, the village aims to instil a profound comprehension of democratic practices among youth, addressing widespread awareness gaps. The moderator highlighted a paradigm shift within the village, urging youth to transition from being labelled as ‘leaders of tomorrow’ to assuming responsibility as ‘leaders of today.’

The event acknowledged past participants of the People Dialogue Festival, emphasizing the importance of continuity in engagement beyond academic institutions. Real-life examples of individuals effecting positive change inspired participants to embrace innovation and channel their boundless energy towards constructive avenues within the democratic spectrum. The village advocates for active engagement with stakeholders and networking, empowering youth to dynamically shape their communities and broader society.

Community Footprints

The panel session on Community Footprints aimed to educate young students on the impact of community-oriented initiatives. Community Footprints encompass programs designed to benefit communities by creating shared value, emphasizing social responsibility, and sustainability. Examples showcased included the Furaha Initiative and One Voice Affinity Center, demonstrating how young people contribute positively to their communities.

Founded by Mr. Nick Mathenge, the Furaha Initiative empowers youth to make a difference through initiatives promoting happiness and hope, such as Green Milele and Greener for Good. Similarly, One Voice Affinity Center focuses on environmental awareness and conservation, with landmarks like Young and Green and the Tree initiative.

Challenges faced by these organizations include resource mobilization, relying on fundraisers for their projects. Additionally, Mtoto News, serves as a platform for young people to test and implement ideas, with programs like Watoto Innovation Solutions Hub (WISH) and Student Press Association Network (SPAN). Evans, a beneficiary, shared how Mtoto News enabled him to represent children at various events, highlighting the impact of community-oriented initiatives on youth empowerment and advocacy.

Unpacking Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya on the Principles of Governance

The session on Unpacking Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya provided a deep dive into the fundamental principles of governance, democracy, and national values as outlined in the constitution. It aimed to elucidate the role of Article 10 in shaping governance practices and fostering a strong national identity. Participants engaged in discussions about accountability mechanisms, civic education, presidential immunity, and the rule of law.

Key concerns were raised regarding the balance between executive authority and accountability in a democratic society. The session underscored the importance of upholding the core principles encapsulated in Article 10 to strengthen Kenya’s democratic institutions and advance the collective aspirations of its people for a just and equitable society.

Digital Rights

The session on Digital Rights commenced with an introduction to Amnesty International’s focus on civil liberties, equality, and human rights, particularly in digital spaces. The discussion centered on the human rights enjoyed in digital realms, highlighting key rights such as privacy, freedom of expression, association, and data protection. Specifically, emphasis was placed on Article 31 of the Constitution and the Data Protection Act, 2019, underscoring the importance of safeguarding personal data and privacy online. The panelists then delved into a case study on TikTok, revealing concerning findings regarding its algorithm’s potential contribution to suicidal ideation among young users. They advocated for accountability measures to address such harms and emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks to protect users from harmful content and digital rights violations, particularly in regions lacking adequate safeguards.

Fireside Chat with Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka & Hon. Eugene Wamalwa

At the Ni Sisi Ni Sasa Village, high school students engaged in a dynamic fireside chat with Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka and Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, tackling pertinent issues of youth involvement in politics. The conversation commenced with students expressing doubts about the integrity of politicians and the viability of pursuing political roles amidst prevalent skepticism. Both leaders urged the students to aspire to leadership driven by integrity and vision rather than conventional political positions. Hon. Eugene Wamalwa acknowledged the widespread distrust in politicians, emphasizing the importance of fostering leaders committed to the future well-being of the nation.

The discussion also emphasized inclusivity, exemplified by the warm reception of Dominic Ketter, a leader who stammers, showcasing the potential of individuals with disabilities in governance roles. Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka highlighted his legacy achievement of abolishing corporal punishment in schools, offering tangible evidence of positive change resulting from effective leadership. Overall, the fireside chat underscored the youth’s potential to shape a future marked by integrity, vision, and inclusivity, transcending the shortcomings of traditional politics to foster responsible governance and meaningful progress.

Global Frameworks for Development

The session on Global Frameworks for Development provided students with an in-depth understanding of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in 2015 with the aim of achieving them by 2030. These goals encompass a broad spectrum of objectives, including poverty eradication, environmental protection, and promoting prosperity for all, highlighting the interconnected nature of global challenges. Facilitators led students through each SDG, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards achieving them by the 2030 deadline.

Breakout sessions allowed students to delve into specific SDGs, where they identified challenges, mobilized support, engaged key actors, and crafted concrete solutions. Presentations emphasized the interconnectedness of the SDGs, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to address complex global issues effectively.

Let’s talk Drugs and Mental Health

The session on mental health and substance abuse brought together experts and advocates to discuss strategies for addressing these critical issues effectively. Key insights included the impact of drugs on brain development, the importance of self-initiated therapy, and the role of self-awareness and self-care practices in mental well-being. Organizations like Mental 360, Let Hope Lead, and Inter Party Youth Forum (IPYF) were highlighted for their efforts in promoting mental health awareness and support through advocacy and technology-based solutions. Despite challenges such as funding constraints, these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to overcoming obstacles and fostering a healthier environment. The discussion emphasized the significance of open conversations, stigma reduction, and accessible support in tackling mental health and substance abuse issues.

Women in the 21st Century

The session on Women in the 21st Century celebrated International Women’s Day by honoring women’s achievements and fostering discussions on challenges and aspirations for gender equity. Panellists shared motivations ranging from addressing social issues to occupying creative spaces and championing possibilities. They recounted facing marginalization and underestimation but encouraged students to seize opportunities and recognize their limitless potential.

While expressing optimism for progress in women’s empowerment, they acknowledged the long journey ahead to achieve comprehensive gender parity. A momentous turn occurred as male students voiced concerns about representation, prompting a reiteration of the celebration’s focus on women’s accomplishments without exclusion. Panellists shared their career experiences and community footprints, advocating for women’s leadership and combating gender-based violence. The session concluded with an emphasis on self-assuredness, determination, and resilience, affirming that aspirations are achievable through dedication and effort.

Watch Party - If turtles could speak, River of Brown Waters, Forest Guardian

The Watch Party featured three impactful short films, offering poignant insights into conservation efforts and the vital link between environmental preservation and community livelihoods. “If Turtles Could Speak” highlighted the challenges faced by turtle populations in Lamu, showcasing local efforts to safeguard their eggs from threats like poaching.

“Forest Guardian” underscored the importance of reforestation in Laikipia for the community’s sustenance, illustrating the interdependence between trees and livelihoods. “Rivers of Brown Waters’’ depicted the adverse effects of drought on the Ewaso Nyiro River, emphasizing its impact on food security for local communities. Following the screening, a discussion on the power of storytelling’s in raising awareness and inspiring action was evident, encouraging students to engage with conservation efforts in their communities. The films and discussion underscored the vital role of local initiatives in addressing environmental challenges and highlighted the transformative potential of storytelling in fostering community engagement and understanding.

Fireside Chat with Danish Representatives

The Fireside Chat with Danish Representatives facilitated an engaging exchange of perspectives on political engagement, intercultural opportunities, gender equality, and democracy. The session illuminated Denmark’s structured approach to youth involvement in politics through youth organizations within political parties, emphasizing the importance of nurturing future leaders.

Discussions on gender equality highlighted shared challenges between Denmark and Kenya, underscoring the universal need for gender equity. Thought-provoking questions prompted reflections on democratic challenges such as corruption and tribalism, emphasizing the role of individual integrity and civic responsibility. Students expressed admiration for Kenya’s diverse cultural and natural heritage, emphasizing the importance of national pride and cultural appreciation.

Overall, the session demonstrated the transformative potential of cross-cultural dialogue and advocacy for democratic values.

Reflections from PDF 2024

During the session on Reflections from PDF 2024, participants engaged in a reflective Q&A with their village coordinator, delving into the opportunities and challenges presented by the program. The dialogue revealed profound insights into the youth’s participation in democracy and advocacy, shedding light on various factors influencing civic engagement and the importance of mental health awareness in educational settings. Students expressed eagerness to participate in PDF and sought guidance on effective engagement, showing interest in the role of a village coordinator. They gained awareness of the benefits, such as networking and making a tangible impact, as well as the challenges, including fatigue and time constraints. The discussion also touched on the unique challenges high schoolers face in the current educational landscape, emphasizing the importance of opportunities for self-exploration beyond academics and addressing mental health issues.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations from the Ni Sisi Ni Sasa Village

1. Youth Empowerment and Participation:

The Ni Sisi Ni Sasa village and the People Dialogue Festival play crucial roles in educating and engaging youth in democratic practices.
Partnerships with community stakeholders and academic institutions are essential for creating a supportive ecosystem for youth empowerment.
Organizations should empower youth through mentorship, skill-building, and networking to actively shape their communities’ future.
Political parties should establish youth organizations to train future leaders and promote political participation among young people.

2. Digital Rights and Safety:

Upholding fundamental rights such as privacy and freedom of expression is essential for a safer and more equitable digital environment.
Collaborative efforts are needed to advocate for digital rights and ensure platforms prioritize user safety and well-being.

3. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Education:

Integrating SDG education into the curriculum can raise awareness and foster critical thinking about sustainability challenges from an early age.
Schools should facilitate group activities focused on specific SDGs to encourage problem-solving and collaboration among students.

4. Mental Health Awareness:

Raising awareness of mental health and substance abuse is crucial to breaking the stigma and making support accessible.
Establishing safe spaces and mentorship programs for women is necessary to empower them to advocate for themselves and assume leadership roles.

5. Environmental Conservation:

Learning institutions should partner with local communities to connect students with real-world conservation efforts, incorporating film screenings and storytelling workshops into their curriculum.
Ethical Conduct and Civic Responsibility:
Promoting ethical conduct and civic responsibility among young people is vital for strengthening democracy and combating corruption, ignorance, and tribalism.

6. Dialogue and Expression:

Platforms like the People Dialogue Festival provide opportunities for dialogue and expression, reducing misunderstandings and fostering good relationships.