Light on innovative approaches to youthwork in Nairobi

Abstract

The need for appropriateness and relevance in youthwork practice is no less an issue in Nairobi than in any other place around the world. In the 34 years since independence, the city has undergone rapid change under the effect of modernity and now increasingly postmodernity. This has affected all strands of society, and particularly so the young people who constitute some 60% of the Kenyan populace. To maintain contact and relevance with these young people within their midst, and who are at the same time so vulnerable and sensitive to change, the church, which is so often slow to change, must be aware of their opinions and aspirations. From this information, the church should be encouraged to respond and develop in a fashion that does justice both to the teachings of Scripture and the nature of the culture. The record is clear that there has been much in the way of the by-passing, neglect and misrepresentation of young people in and by the church. Furthermore, given that 60% of the Kenyan population could be called young, and that statistically, the young years are those in which most people become Christians, a valid youth ministry is essential for the future of the church. Furthermore, it is dear that young people, who are in the forefront of development, can also help with the positive reorientation of entire communities in the face of change: they are definitely not the church of tomorrow. All the more so when these young people proceed deeply rooted in Christian values and beliefs. In face of this, there are still too many church leaders who are not prepared to develop, who are not reading the signs of the times. Simply, the church must be given data that will broaden their understanding of this situation, especially at a time when most of the literature in this field is from outside the country. The central instrument was that of a survey questionnaire that included open ended, structured and projective questions. Opinion was gathered from a body of young people and youth practitioners across the city of Nairobi. The research questions were generated from the researcher's existing perception of the youthwork situation, further networking and the literature review. The data, once collected was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively.