Youth clean up their community during the COVID-19 pandemic (Photo: Amref Health Africa).

As COVID-19 continues to alter our daily lives no matter where we live in the world, in Kenya, Amref Health Africa has partnered with governments in seven counties to train 1,400 youth volunteers to help in the pandemic response. Young people are working with community leaders and frontline health workers to raise awareness of COVID-19 and share health, hygiene and sanitation messages with communities. Youth are also carrying out community clean-ups to ensure used masks and other waste is properly disposed of.

Through the program, called “Operation Safisha Mji” (meaning, “Clean the City/Town”), youth volunteers are tasked with doing clean-ups in marketplaces, informal settlements, and congested public places such as taxi stations.

(Photo: Amref Health Africa)

Speaking during a visit to the Osiri Matanda informal settlement in Migori County where young people were unblocking sewers and clearing mounds of garbage, Ms. Lennah Kanyangi, Project Manager with Amref Health Africa, said that it is inspiring that the youth are finding purpose in this moment of crisis and are actively involved in encouraging the population to act to reduce transmission of COVID-19.

“Through the confusion, stress and worry in these unprecedented times it is encouraging that the youth are a resource and a powerful tool in the fight against the pandemic,” she said.

Brian, one of the youth volunteers, said he is excited that amidst the pandemic the youth are not sitting idly by waiting for the worst to happen. Instead, they are hard at work providing solutions to help combat the spread of the virus.

“The youth represent energy, creativity and innovation. This team gives me confidence that young people can manifest the best in humanity, a light that will shine for generations to come. They are a perfect reminder that communities should stick together even in critical situations.”

The energetic volunteers actively engage in sharing up-to-date information about the virus by directly demonstrating cleaning and disinfection procedures, such as proper handwashing, and waste management. They also hand out fliers and posters clearly stipulating the Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines and the effective and safe ways of wearing and managing personal protective equipment, such as masks.

Youth volunteers received wheelbarrows, shovels and reflector jackets for the clean-up activities and handwashing stations were set up in markets and other public places.

The program is being carried out in seven counties, including Migori, Siaya, Busia, Homabay and Bungoma, that have been targeted due to their highly congested population and their low-income levels, which is linked to a higher burden of COVID-19 cases.