Local News – 02.05.010 - Youth advised. By Peter Lokatur.

St. Stephen youth today held a party to mark the end of the holidays and the re-opening of schools. The party which, brought together youths from various schools, was held at Emmanuel Center, St. Augustine´s Cathedral Parish. Speaking at the function Mr. John Ekai, who is the Youth Chairman, advised those in attendance to always be themselves and take life seriously. He advised those in secondary schools to work extra hard in order to achieve good results in their exams.

On the other hand, the Animator, Mr. Franscisco Lomor, asked them to take their studies seriously and be ready to help their parents whenever schools are closed. He advised female students to be cautious of those who might be out to ruin their lives and instead concentrate on their education if they hoped to have better life in future.

The main objective of the celebration was to prepare the youths psychologically as they embark on their studies when schools re-open tomorrow. Fr. Angel Valdivia Lopez, who is the Youth Chaplain was among those who made this event successful.

Local News - 30.04.10 - Training for Youths Ends. By Emmanuel A. Ekuwom.

Business Group Training for the youth and vulnerable groups that kicked off three days ago at Resource Centre, Lodwar, came to an end today. In his speech during the closing ceremony, the Drought Management Officer (DMO) who was also the guest of honour, Mr. Geoffrey Kaituko, asked the groups that had been trained to submit their business plans for possible funding. According to Arid Lands Mobile Extension leader, Brendah Mana, Arid Lands Resource Management Project (ALRMP) gives the youth small grands to boost their business adding that they allocates 2 million each year to distributed to various groups. So far 15 groups have benefitted from the grands. The training which was aimed at imparting business skills and promoting self reliance in Turkana community was facilitated by ALRMP under the Urban Youth Development fund.

Local News – 28.04.2010 - St. Stephen Recollection Day. By. Emmanuel A. Ekuwom.

Youths from various neighbourhoods belonging to St. Stephen's Youth, a group in St. Augustine's Cathedral, today held recollection day to reflect upon the theme of fasting, pain and suffering in the life of a Christian. The function, which was facilitated by St Augustine's youth chaplain, Fr. Angel Valdivia, and assisted by ex-chairman Francisco Lomor as well as John Ekai, brought together 45 youths. It was held in the conference room no. 3. St. Augustine's Catechists Gideon Emonyang, Simon Ekal, Philomen Lokol also attended the recollection session. Quoting the catechism of the Catholic Church, catechist Gideon told the youth that suffering was part of life, and reminded them that the only solution for this was to pray hard. The session ended in the evening with holy mass which was celebrated by Fr. Angel at the Cathedral.

Local News - 28.04.10 - Youth and Vulnerable Group Training Held. By Emmanuel A. Ekuwom.

A three-day training kicked off today at Resource Centre in Lodwar. The training which is aimed at equipping skills to business people and promoting self reliance in Turkana community attracted 15 groups comprising slightly more than 200 people from Lodwar Municipality. It was facilitated by Arid Lands Resource Management Project (ALRMP) under Urban Youth Development fund. According to Arid Lands Mobile Extension leader, Brendah Mana, this is third phase of their training projection. Similar trainings were held in 2008 and 2009 respectively. Targeted in the third phase training are the youth and vulnerable groups.

Mrs. Amana further said that they give the youth small grands to boost their business. According to Amana, ALRMP allocates 2 million every year to each of the groups. So far 15 groups have benefitted from the grands.

She further said that each group of the chosen 15, twelve of them will receive Kshs. 120,000, while two with special needs will get Kshs. 200,000, and Kshs. 160,000 for the remaining group. The criteria for selection is decided at the District Steering Group (DSG) which is usually chaired by the District Commissioner with the ALRMP Coordinator as the secretary.