After the introduction football and volleyball games, drugs and substance abuse may be gone in Mamboleo region of Laikipia West Constituency.
The games have attracted more 60 youths to the games each evening.
John Kioko is the youth coordinator. He stated that the main purpose of the games are to foster talent and to combat the drug menace that has robbed many youths in the region.
“We have three balls, two for football and one for volleyball and a volleyball net as well. The equipment was purchased by Pastor Simon Mwangi of New Spring Church.
“Most of the players are in high school so we hope to grow their talents and to keep them from engaging in harmful behavior like drug abuse,” said Kioko.
He further added that the lack of a girls’ team and uniform as well as a field to play on are among the challenges that they face. For their development, the young players need to be trained in volleyball and football.
Pastor Simon Mwangi was the youth chaperon and sponsor. He stated that his main goal for purchasing the equipment was primarily to harness the potential and nurture the youth.
“There is a great menace of drug abuse especially marijuana in Mamboleo. The games will go a long way to keep the youth busy so that they don’t opt to abuse drugs due to idleness,” Mwangi said.
He further stated the importance of games to the youth’s physical and mental health as well as them being fun and interactive.
By Irene Wandia Muchemi
Source: kenyanews
