As the world commemorates International Youth Day, the Community Health Promotion Fund (CHPF), in partnership with North Coast Medical Training College (NCMTC), brought the celebration closer to the community through a meaningful youth engagement at Bodoi Health Information Point (HIP).
The gathering brought together CHPF Manager Mr. Hussein, Community Health Promoters (CHPs), village elders and young people, creating an open platform where youths could speak freely about the issues affecting their lives, health and future.
The discussions highlighted several concerns raised by the young people, including drug and substance use, protection from diseases such as HIV/AIDS, socialization and healthy growth, personal security, and access to health information and services.
One of the key concerns raised was that some young people have limited knowledge about the services available to them, while others face challenges accessing services at health facilities. These realities reinforced the importance of community-based platforms such as HIPs, where young people can receive information, guidance and support closer to where they live.
Through its community health promotion work, CHPF plays an important role in creating spaces where young people can be heard, informed and connected to appropriate services. By working with CHPs, community leaders and partners such as NCMTC, CHPF continues to strengthen community-level health education and promote informed decision-making among young people.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Hussein encouraged the youth to take advantage of opportunities provided by the government and other stakeholders, including Mradi wa NYOTA, to build their skills, become economically empowered and create better futures for themselves.
The engagement demonstrated that youth empowerment goes beyond celebrating young people it requires listening to their concerns, equipping them with knowledge, connecting them to services and opening pathways to opportunity.
As CHPF and NCMTC continue their partnership, the message from Bodoi is clear: when young people are informed, supported and empowered, communities become stronger.
Happy International Youth Day 2026
