AM122 Mobilizing for Youth in Kenya: Rafiki ya Maisha

Ten years ago Claire Mathijsen decided to do something about the paucity of educational and skills-building opportunities for rural youth in Kenya. She and a long-time Kenyan friend, through their non-profit association Rafiki Ya Maisha, actually funded and managed the building of a small college which provides vocational training in sewing, tailoring, hairdressing and computer studies. Masonry and carpentry training are planned, as is a brand new Polytechnic school. So far, for the past three years, more than 100 students have received trade certificates. Claire will tell us about her experience on the ground of masterminding this ambitious project in a country known more for its animals than for its inhabitants!

Instructor: Claire Mathijsen is a clinical psychologist and the mother of three children, all now volunteers in Rafiki Ya Maisha. During her three years in Kenya, she lived in Eldoret at Moi Girls’ High School where she taught swimming to women and coached the volleyball team, leading the girls to a silver medal in the 1982 nationals. A friendship with Kenyan Elizabeth Tunoi blossomed, leading to the village empowerment movement in 2007 and the Polytechnic project for the youth.