Over the past few days, we’ve spent some time fixing up the Nyabiheke youth center. We’re back today because we know that a space is so much more than a building – it’s what’s inside. And right now, the space is nearly empty.
They have some old, worn-out basketballs and soccer balls, a few dog-eared books and a prized TV for watching movies and soccer matches. For the hundreds of young men and women who use the space weekly, the few books and deflated basketballs are not enough to keep them engaged.
“I go to the youth center at least five times a week, sometimes every day,” says Innocent. “We lack opportunities after secondary school. When we finish, there is no university course for us so many are spending their days here at the youth center.”
With limited educational opportunities and job prospects, the youth center is where people continue their informal education in whatever ways they can. “Some can share the skills they learned before coming to Nyabiheke. There are many among us who have knowledge in computers, some in English,” explains Feza, a youth who participates in the basketball club. We knew we could do the doable to make the youth center a more engaging space. So, we brought some chairs, books, a computer, projector, sports equipment, games and a
cabinet to store it all.
“It’s great to have these activities. Now, no one is standing without something to do,” exclaimed Innocent.
