This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
On a sweltering Friday afternoon in July 2019, the 'Discipline First Boxing Club' in Majengo Ghetto, Githurai 44, was abuzz with activity. Under the watchful eyes of trainer Kochez, 36 young men and 7 young girls were training in the art of boxing.
Among them were Christine, 16, and her best friend Pinky, 15, who had dropped out of school due to financial constraints. They were part of the girl's team training under Kochez's guidance, who had started the boxing club to divert the attention of young people from the streets and substance abuse.
“I train youngsters from as young as 4 years with the eldest being about 30 years old. Most of them are homeless and live in the streets. Most are into drugs and substance abuse… but the one thing they all have in common is that, for one reason or another, all have dropped out of school,” Kochez explained.
As I observed the training session, a 14-year-old youth stumbled into the compound, sniffing a piece of rag held over his nose. He was using Resin, a highly addictive industrial substance, to get high. Kochez welcomed him warmly and directed him to the training rooms, emphasizing the importance of guiding the youth with understanding and encouragement.
According to Kochez, the youths have it worse, with a life of crime and eventual death awaiting them if they don't receive guidance and support. He noted that about 30% of students who enroll for school in Class One in Kenya fail to sit for the KCPE, highlighting the high rate of dropout or repetition of grades.
As I left the boxing club, the two girls confessed that they would have loved an opportunity to study further. Pinky's words echoed in my mind: “If I get a well wisher to fund my studies I would go to school and study hard so that I can help my mother and small sister live a better life one day.”
