Young people and youth groups play important and active roles in communities. Their insights and energies offer a welcome positive story during the COVID-19 crisis. Religions for Peace's (RfP) Kenya Interreligious Council and its Interfaith Youth Networks are mobilizing actively and creatively, in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, radio, and television, the groups are supporting the national campaign to “Komesha Corona,” that is, to beat back coronavirus. Messages are trending on Twitter, reflecting the fact that they are well adapted to Kenyan realities. The efforts form part of the broader national outreach that also includes interfaith women’s groups and joint efforts of religious leaders.

RfP’s Interfaith Youth Networks target the national population overall, but also focus on vulnerable populations, using different technology mediums and means of access. Informal settlements, rural areas, and vulnerable counties are especially hard to reach. Their circumstances are difficult, and messages like “wash hands” and “stay home” are hard to apply. The youth groups are testing different approaches focused on preventing infection and promoting a broader health awareness, taking into account the specific circumstances and obstacles the communities face. Creative “e-posters” are an example. Community radios and faith-run media stations that are popular in many settings also offer a good way to reach vulnerable groups.

Religious leaders together with trusted health experts are documenting and disseminating COVID-19 facts and resources. Talking points help senior religious leaders engage both leaders from other faith traditions and those who resist changes in practices that can save lives. Interfaith youth groups, women, and religious groups and their creative messages illustrate how the promise of interfaith mobilization can be translated into action.

(Based on: April 8, 2020, Religions for Peace article)