Youth Hub Network (YHN) – Kwale

Background

Young people in Kwale County continue to face significant barriers to employment, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and meaningful participation in decision-making spaces. Many youth, particularly those from underserved communities, experience limited access to career guidance, professional networks, digital opportunities, and systems that support long-term personal and economic growth.

Since 2022, the Hijabi Mentorship Program (THMP), in partnership with Swahilipot Hub Foundation, has been implementing the Youth Hub Network (YHN) initiative as part of a broader ecosystem approach to youth empowerment and community transformation.

The initiative is aligned with the Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN) model, which emphasizes ecosystem collaboration, youth voice, mentorship, employability, and collective action as key pathways toward sustainable youth development.

Project Goal

To strengthen youth leadership, employability, mentorship, and participation in community development through a collaborative and youth-centered ecosystem approach in Kwale County.

Objectives

  • Strengthen mentorship and leadership opportunities for young people.
  • Improve youth access to career guidance, networks, and skills development.
  • Promote youth voice and participation in community and civic spaces.
  • Foster collaboration and peer learning among young people and youth-serving organizations.

Key Achievements (2022–2025)

  • Trained and mentored a total of 131 young people across Kwale County:
    • 15 mentees (2022–2023)
    • 40 mentees (2024)
    • 41 mentees (Q2–Q3 2025)
    • 35 mentees (Q3–Q4 2025)
  • Supported young people through:
    • Mentorship and leadership development
    • Career guidance and employability support
    • Peer learning and networking opportunities
    • Community engagement and advocacy
  • Strengthened collaborative youth ecosystems by connecting young people to mentors, opportunities, and community support systems.

Strategic Contribution

The Youth Hub Network contributes to building a stronger and more inclusive youth ecosystem in Kwale County where young people are equipped with the skills, confidence, networks, and support systems needed to actively participate in social and economic development.

The initiative continues to promote youth-led solutions, community collaboration, and long-term investment in youth leadership and opportunity.