Many youths are idling in Athi River, Machakos County after schools closed for April holidays. Apart from watching the ongoing commonwealth games in Australia, many have nothing much to do.
This is the time they get back to their phones and catch up with what is going on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Whatsapp.
This April break comes at a time when the hashtag “IFIKIE WAZAZI” is trending on Social media. It came after immoral photos of students were spotted on social media platforms. If those “pornographic” photos are anything to go by, then our teenagers are headed to early graves. What with the rising cases of new HIV/AIDS infection among youths?
Parents have also been blamed for not being good role models to their children. In a society where making more money is more important than spending time with family, this case, some argue, was bound to happen.
The government is also not left out in this blame game. After renaming the Ministry of Sports and Culture and leaving out Art, many artists raised eyebrows and wondered whether the government does not value or care about artists. Which ministry, they wondered, would be responsible for scouting and nurturing talents among the youths? Which ministry will be responsible for keeping youths busy in youth centers?
Talking about youth centers, many Athi River youths are missing out on the benefits of having a youth center. Most youth centers usually come equipped with a fully stocked public library. In Athi River town, there is no major public library to talk about. The only place that seems to gather youths, either for Basketball games or occasionally for drama, is the St.Judes Catholic Church located along KMC road.
Athi River town needs a public library as soon as yesterday. This library may be designed in such a way that it has adult section and children section. It can also be equipped with computers, internet and a projector for showing educative films and documentaries. This library will keep most of the youths busy to avoid falling preys to immorality and crime. Sylvia Njoki, a form two student at Sunrise Girls High school (initially located in Kinanie but now moved to Kathome near Machakos town) expressed her willingness to join a library group.
“Lakini hakuna Library hapa.Me huspend time yangu nikichat ma mafriends Facebook.” (But there is no library here.I spend my (Holiday) time chatting with friends on Facebook), she quipped.
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