Mentoring peers online

There are many things you can do on a social network, but these students from Precious Blood Secondary School, Riruta, have created a social network with the aim of positively impacting their society. They spoke to NJOKI CHEGE

There are boundless opportunities in the Internet. Social networks have particularly become popular, especially among the youth because of what they have to offer; networking, socialising and a platform to express oneself.

It is for these reasons that students from Precious Blood Secondary School, Riruta created a platform for themselves and other like-minded youths to express their thoughts and feelings on various life-changing topics.

Wangechi Mwangi, the founder of Azma group.

The group has so far visited a school in Kiambiu slums (Nairobi) where they were involved in mentoring the pupils. They have also volunteered at Shangilia Children’s Home as well as the Jacaranda Special School. They have also rallied youth to donate blood at the Kenyatta National Hospital and collected 2,500 books, which they hope to distribute to schools across the country.

Recently, they visited the immediate former PS of education, Prof Ole Kiyiapi and he was so impressed with their vision that he requested to be included in their board of advisors.

"We visited him to seek his permission and written consent to engage primary school pupils in our activities. We want to help pupils to make informed decisions when it comes to choosing secondary schools," says Kasyoka.

The PS granted them their wish.

Other members of the board of advisors include the Jacinta Akatsa (Principal, Precious Blood Secondary School), Simeon Oriko, who helped them in the creation of the network, Teddy Warria and Alex Gakuru.

Another group of mentors, the Akirachix, led by Judith Owigar has also been instrumental in the group’s success — they have mentored the girls all through. The Akirachix not only helped them develop their social network but have also taken in some of the girls as interns.

Interestingly, the group has so far not used a single cent in carrying out their activities.

"We have been using our social network to rally the youth to come together, not by enticing or coercing them, but by making them see the point of joining us," says Kasyoka.

The group also aims at tapping into the potential of technology to solve societal problems such as poverty. They say they have realised that technology can do so much for a society and that is why it is important to have a technology-savvy society.

"We believe in doing things differently. We want to help the youth know the importance of the Internet and technology as a problem-solver and as a tool for learning," says Gatwiri.

It is for this reason that you will find many links and blog posts on their website, all in a bid to educate and empower the youths.

So what do they eventually hope to achieve?

To keep the youth busy by providing a social network with a difference. One that discusses pertinent issues such as poverty, culture, technology, and education systems, among other things.

"The difference between this social network and others such as Facebook, Twitter, My space and To-go is that Azma aims at developing its members intellectually," offers Wangechi.

Good job

So widespread is their mandate that even the president of Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Rod Beckstorm, commended them for their good job. He cited that this was just the beginning of something bigger and better to come.

A major challenge Azma faces is the fact that today’s youth are laid back and some fear to stand out of the crowd.

Offers Wangechi: "Few want to stand out and take responsibility. Out biggest challenge has been getting people to come out of their shells."

As Wangechi further explains, dealing with fellow teenagers is not exactly easy. Convincing them to forego hanging out in malls and engage in charity is hard enough, but they are not about to give up.

The group is also in the process of seeking funding for the sustainability of their activities.

They regularly meet at the i-hub to discuss their activities. Most Friday and Saturdays afternoons are set aside for Azma activities.

So what drives them?

"Youth have a feeling that they want to change their society and consequently, their world and we share that dream too. That is what unites us and that is what keeps us going," says Wangechi.