Njoro Youth Empowerment Centre Gave My Son a Second Chance

By Lucy Atika

As a parent, there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing your child grow into a confident, focused, and responsible young person. A few years ago, I was deeply concerned about my son. Like many young people in our community, he was vulnerable to negative peer influence and lacked a safe space where he could receive guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for personal growth.

I watched as he struggled to find direction. The pressure from friends and the challenges facing young people in our community made me fear that he would make choices that could negatively affect his future. As a parent, I felt helpless and worried about what lay ahead for him.

Everything began to change when he joined the Njoro Youth Empowerment Centre.

The centre welcomed him into an environment where he felt valued, respected, and supported. Through the various programs offered, he learned important life skills such as decision-making, communication, self-awareness, goal setting, and how to resist negative peer pressure. He was surrounded by mentors and fellow young people who encouraged him to make positive choices and believe in his potential.

One of the biggest transformations I witnessed was in his confidence. He became more focused on his future and started making better decisions. The friendships he developed at the centre provided him with a positive support system and a sense of belonging that every young person deserves.

Most importantly, the YEC motivated him to return to school and continue pursuing his education. Today, he is back in school, determined to build a better future for himself. As a parent, I have seen a remarkable change in his attitude, behaviour, and outlook on life.

The centre has not only transformed my son’s life but has also brought peace of mind to our family. Knowing that he spends time in a safe environment where he is learning, growing, and being mentored has been a blessing.

I encourage other parents to take advantage of the opportunities available at the Youth Empowerment Centre. It is more than just a facility, it is a place where young people discover their potential, build meaningful relationships, and gain the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges.

I also call upon development partners, community leaders, well-wishers, and organizations to continue supporting and investing in initiatives such as the Njoro Youth Empowerment Centre. The impact is real, and the transformation is visible. Every young person deserves access to a safe space where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

The Youth Empowerment Centre is changing lives, one young person at a time, and my son is living proof of that transformation.

I am grateful for what the Youth Empowerment Centre has done for my child. It gave him hope, direction, and a community that believes in him. I hope many more young people will benefit from this initiative.