Youth First Kenya: Personal resilience and health program

Project location(s): Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Bungoma, Kajiado and Lamu,Taita Taveta, Makueni, Nairobi, Kisumu, Kiambu, Busia, Machakos, Nakuru, Isiolo, Wajir, Siaya, Migori and Embu Counties

Project Overview

Youth First is a wellbeing and resilience-based empowerment program for learners aged 12 to 15 years.
Evidence shows that the resilience-based approach improves mental health, physical health, and education outcomes of learners. The program has been extensively tested for impact and continues to operate in India, Kenya and Rwanda.
In Kenya, Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya is implementing Youth First in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and KICD.

Youth First Kenya in summary

YFK pilot program in Tharaka Nithi County and Kajiado Counties between 2017 and 2019 involved 850 pupils and 45 teachers from 20 schools across the two counties.
YFK pilot program in Kilifi County in 2022 involved 485 pupils and 15 teachers from 6 schools from Kaloleni Sub County.
The YFK school curriculum that integrates inner well-being, growth mindset and social-emotional development for young people was officially approved by KICD in 2023.
In 2023, YFK rolled out in 640 schools across 16 counties, involving 84,821 learners (Class 8 and JS).