VIDES Kenya Weekend Formation at MEC
From February 28 to March 2, 2025, VIDES Kenya held a successful formation at MEC. Thirteen new members from Kenyatta University completed the second phase of their formation, accompanied by their local leaders, Abel and Paul. The sessions were led by national leaders Jairus and Vincent, with the participation of VIDES Kenya delegates, Sr. Florence and Sr. Millicent.
We thank God for the fruitful experience and the commitment of these young people to the VIDES mission.
VIDES Kenya had its beginnings in Kenya thanks to a volunteer from VIDES UK, Clare O’Keefe, a trained nurse, who was doing voluntary work at the Sisters’ school in Embu, Kenya.
A group from VIDES UK was coming to run a camp for children in Namanga for two weeks in August 2000 as a way to mark the Great Jubilee of the Faith. It was the first time VIDES UK was organizing a camp experience overseas. Knowing that the UK volunteers would face challenges due to the language barrier and different ways of engaging with young people, the Sisters involved in the experience suggested “twinning” each volunteer with a Kenyan partner. Consequently, nine Kenyan young people were encouraged to join them.
The entire experience was a marvelous meeting of cultures, inspired by a unique charism—the Salesian spirit. During the evaluation following the camp, the Kenyan young people who had ‘shadowed’ the UK volunteers realized they had a lot to offer. They decided that the spark ignited by VIDES UK should become a burning fire in Kenya to serve needy children and at-risk youth. Gradually, their own movement took shape, developing its own identity and organization.
Over the years, VIDES Kenya has focused its activities on areas where young people have the least opportunities. They have organized camps, sometimes with but also without the support of VIDES UK, which has continued to assist them with volunteers, resources, and finances. Since the camps in Namanga, which ran for five years, VIDES Kenya has also organized camps in Dagoretti—an informal settlement in the western part of Nairobi—Embu, Karare, and North Horr, located in the Chalbi Desert in the northeastern part of Kenya. These camps significantly contribute to the work of the Salesian Sisters in these areas.
The camps are flexible and adapt to the needs of young people and the FMA communities operating in the regions. Typically, they offer academic support through engaging and dynamic lessons, entertainment through singing, games, and sports, as well as creative arts and crafts activities. All camps incorporate a component of religious and moral formation, as our goal, like Don Bosco’s, is to contribute to the holistic development of the young. Additionally, we organize Easter Fun Days for children in Mutuini and Makuyu, ensuring that they enjoy themselves, learn teamwork, and make friends while celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
To become a member of VIDES Kenya, one must express a desire to volunteer and undergo two formation sessions. The first session lasts a day, while the second takes place over a weekend. These formation sessions cover topics such as the history and identity of VIDES International and VIDES Kenya, the Preventive System of St. John Bosco, Salesian Youth Spirituality, Don Bosco’s Dream at Nine, teamwork, the Beatitudes of a Teacher, volunteerism, and animation skills. This formation process culminates in a commissioning Mass, after which the volunteers are ready for their mission. VIDES Kenya has approximately 150 members scattered across the country.
From time to time, individual volunteers have also provided short-term service placements within and outside Kenya. VIDES Kenya members are encouraged to commit themselves to voluntary service in their local parishes, campuses, and workplaces.
FROM KENYA SALESIAN VOLUNTEERS TO VIDES KENYA
In the beginning, as we were unsure of how the movement would grow, we called ourselves “Kenya Salesian Volunteers.” However, in 2007, after witnessing the movement’s continuity and impact over the years, we applied for official recognition as VIDES Kenya. We are proud to say that, despite many challenges, we have kept VIDES Kenya’s activities running over the years. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge, but we are now back on our feet.
VIDES Kenya has even led to the formation of VIDES families, as some volunteers have met their life partners through the movement and are now committed Christians serving society with the heart of a volunteer. The movement has also nurtured religious vocations, including FMA Sisters, a Marianhill priest, an SDB deacon, and a Jesuit priest in formation. As our motto proclaims, we are striving daily to “Reach In to Reach Out,” ensuring that we continue to grow and flourish for the good of the young.
