Empowering Dandora Youth

Empowering Dandora Youth: International Youth Day Forum

On 12th August 2025, Crime Si Poa, together with community partners, held a youth engagement forum at Friends Church, Dandora to mark International Youth Day. The event brought together local leaders, police officers, financial institutions, and arts organisations to inspire and guide young people towards building better futures and staying away from crime.

The Dandora area Chief opened the forum with a message encouraging the youth to start somewhere, no matter how small, and to work hard, save, and invest in themselves. He urged them to join positive groups that build them up instead of those that cause trouble, and to live by personal values that keep them out of conflict with the law. Before the main program began, the audience enjoyed entertainment from local talent.

Crime Si Poa was represented by Caroline Njambi, who spoke about the power of knowledge and understanding the law. She encouraged the youth to read and understand the Constitution, to think about why they go to the streets, and to learn how the national budget works, especially for the youth. She reminded them that ignorance is not a defence in law and said CSP is ready to offer sessions to help them understand the law better.

From the police side, Inspector Calvince, the Deputy OCS, and Nicholas, the Deputy Officer Commanding Crime at Dandora Police Station, warned against getting involved in crime and advised the youth to follow the right process when reporting offences. They explained how to get an OB number and follow up on cases, and stressed the dangers of being out late at night without a valid reason. Nicholas said that being found outside during odd hours could lead to charges like “Preparation to Commit a Felony,” and that a criminal record—even from teenage years—can stop someone from getting a Certificate of Good Conduct later in life.

The Executive Director of Sarakasi Trust encouraged Sarakasi and Crime Si Poa to work together to spot and grow young talent, giving youth positive opportunities. A representative from the Witness Protection Agency spoke about how people whose lives are threatened because of testimony can be protected. This can be applied for directly or through the police, prosecution, or an advocate.

KCB Ngara Branch, represented by Ruth, talked about grants and loans for young people. She explained that when you take a loan, you only pay back the same amount you borrowed, without extra charges. She encouraged the youth to use such opportunities to improve their lives and avoid getting into crime.

The youth asked questions about police conduct, safe working hours, and ways to access financial help. They shared concerns about being arrested for petty offences like loitering or working without uniforms, and being put in prison with dangerous criminals. They also questioned how CSP is helping them earn a living, where to report police misconduct, and expressed that poverty is the main cause of crime and that laws seem to favour the rich.

The event ended with a commitment from all partners to keep engaging with the youth, giving them the knowledge, opportunities, and support they need to live safe, productive lives.

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