In Nairobi, Kenya, UpToYouToo works with Youth Initiatives Kenya (YIKE).

History

YIKE was born out of the  recognition of problems at the root of youth employment and development. In 2003 Nynke Nauta and Pamela Wesonga, YIKE’s first director,  researched the needs of groups of youth in the slums of Nairobi’s Eastlands area.  These groups on average did not get constant and reliable support.  The support they had been granted was often unpredictable and not directed  towards their income generating projects. YIKE was founded to fill this gap.

Method

YIKE assists marginalized youth in Nairobi through trainings for youth groups. YIKE provides a three year training program, networking activities and community events. The youth groups have different methods to generate income. Some have income generating projects such as garbage collection, production clothing and artefacts, public toilets, showers and water. Others focus on cultural performances to raise awareness and stimulate social cohesion. In 2010, YIKE plans to establish a sanitation project, building toilet & douche blocks managed by local youth.

YIKE currently supports over 30 youth groups, most of which can be contacted directly to access their products and services.

View YIKE’s vision & mission, history and upcoming projects on the YIKE website.