Elvis Ketende (22)

Elvis is from the south-western parts of Kenya, Elvis got to know of the Youth delegate programme through his local Red Cross where he has been a member and volunteer for the last two years.

Profession and hobbies

By profession, he is a computer operator having specialised in business information systems. Apart from volunteering with the Red Cross, Elvis has also worked with other different non-governmental organizations such as African Medical Research Foundation as a research assistant and as a volunteer with german technology coperation (GTZ) involved in inter-generation dialogue. He also enjoys travelling and making friends as part of his hobbies.

Within the Red Cross Elvis has been involved in the following programmes:
- Community service i.e public clean-up campaigns,visits to opharnages,drug and substance abuse campaigns e.t.c
- Water and sanitation activities
- Dissemination activities
- Branch youth activities e.g camps and hikes

Expectations for the Youth delegate programme

Elvis is looking forward to share his experience, knowledge and gain more skills too and not only from the Red Cross issues but from any other useful source of information regarding youth development and empowerment.
´´Am also looking forward to have fun and meet new friends from this part of the world!´´ says Elvis.

His biggest challenge

“Ohh the winter of course, and definitely learning Norwegian language!” He says with a great smile.

What He will miss most

He will miss his family and friends, the Kenyan delicacies and most of the friendly, refreshing sunshine!

What motivates and inspires him

Knowing one thing only.” The hands that help are holier than the lips that pray”.

Juma Ochieng (26)

Professional development specialist

Juma has just graduated from the University where he did development studies. Along with the university he worked in Kenyan Red Cross headquarters as a Branch Development officer after volunteering for the Red Cross for over six years.

- Before Red Cross I have been involved in quite a few organizations, I even started one myself, but they were all about exchange among the youth. I thought this is not definitely enough to help the people in the communities, those who are really in need. And I was guided by that willingness to do something for the people there, in the communities, when I joined Red Cross.

How he is going to reach those in need while in Norway?

- What I want to do here is to build capacity in the local district I am going to work in the coming 9 months, Akershus Red Cross. I hope to help them in recruiting volunteers in the districts. And of course, I very much hope to acquire new skills to go back and work for my national society.

What is ever-smiling Juma going to miss most of all during his stay in Norway?

- My girlfriend!

A message to everyone in the end

- You know what inspire me, young people. It’s when I see young people coming from different cultures and able to communicate, to do things in harmony despite the differences between them. I believe in the power of cooperation and understanding between young people, who can make changes. So exchange with other cultures!…