The mission of the Red Cross movement is to “prevent and alleviate human suffering”. The real meaning of this mission can properly be understood in a sub-Saharan country like Kenya. Disease, droughts and disasters are the main challenges facing the Kenyan society. The activities and programmes that Kenya Red Cross pursues mirror these societal problems. Everything is hands- on, nothing is in theory.

 

Red Cross run by youth

Kenya Red Cross is basically run by youth. 60% of the volunteers are young people. The youth carry out the majority of the programmes and activities, be them:

• cleanup of slums
• HIV/ AIDS peer education workshops
• blood donation sessions
• supplying of relief materials to disaster stricken areas
• provision of first aid at strikes/ public meetings/ demonstrations.

The youth here is really the backbone of this organisation.

 

Commitment

As many other youth Zadock A. Omupipi (24) is a volunteer at Nairobi branch and comes to the branch almost every day.
-I joined the Red Cross three years ago because I wanted to serve my community. At the time there was a drought in the Western part and I wanted to help, he says.

Volunteers in Kenya are extremely committed and participate in several programmes. Zadock is a first aider, a peer educator, a member of the action team, participates in cleanup campaigns, orphanage visits and responds to disasters. Although it is strenuous and sometimes dangerous to participate in the activities, Zadock says it is also fun being a volunteer.

-You get to meet a lot of other young people and make new friends, he says.

 

Lack of Resources

-One challenge of being a volunteer is covering your costs. I can’t only be a volunteer, I also have to secure my income, says Zadock.

There is of course no financial gain by volunteering, however you gain many skills from trainings which can be a springboard into a job. Many are students and unemployed young people. 50% are unemployed in Kenya so volunteering in Red Cross is a good way to spend your time.

It is not only among volunteers that lack of resources is a challenge. Kenya Red Cross itself faces the same problems.
-With regards to transport, one of the realities facing the volunteers is being crammed into a small van (registered for 7 people) with 20 others to reach the field, says Moses Kesekwa, the National Youth Officer.

The youth are the ones taking the challenges facing their society into their own hands and making it possible to alleviate human suffering in Kenya.