This is my plan for the boy child— Dorcas Rigathi

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s wife Dorcas Rigathi has reiterated her commitment to empower the boy child whom she said is at risk of annihilation.

Dorcas said a large number of young men have fallen into the trap of alcoholism and may end up losing their future if nothing is done.

The young men, she said, have been reduced to non-productive members of the society despite being in their peak.

“The country could lose an entire generation if this is not addressed,” she said, noting that they require help to get back on track and pick up their lives.

Her plan, she said is to start various empowerment projects targeted at young men to help them become economically productive.

She said youths are the future of any nation and anything that poses a risk to them jeopardises the future of a country.

Dorcas who spoke while donating foodstuffs to over 10,000 residents of Ithanga Kakuzi subcounty in Murang’a county on Thursday, said her aim is to help the targeted youths lead good and fulfilling lives.

This, she said, is a passion she harbours saying it would be wrong to sit back and watch as a generation gets lost.

She said she will roll out nationwide financial empowerment programmes for boys and young men that will encourage them to embrace a saving culture.

Youths will also be enrolled for vocational training and adult education programme to better their chances of acquiring employment.

“There are many opportunities for young men to get vocational skills or further their education. Those who wish to study more will be supported to do so,” she said.

But she also challenged administrators to heighten the fight against alcoholism that she said has enslaved many men and brought down families especially in the Central region.

A man can only have a healthy family unit if he is sober, she said, which has a positive effect on the society.

Dorcas donated maize flour, rice, beans and cooking oil to residents and pledged to provide foodstuffs to all candidates sitting for national examinations in the subcounty to help them focus on their examinations.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu noted that Ithanga area that is semi-arid, was one of the areas worst hit by drought with locals getting insufficient harvests for years due to insufficient rains.

While lauding Dorcas for the donations, Muriu announced plans to introduce a school feeding programme in January next year that will ensure all pupils are retained in class.  BY THE STAR