News
King Kaka and UNESCO released "BESHTE YANGU" Song in Kenya: A Powerful Message on Positive Masculinity, Mental Health, and HIV Awareness
I am proud to promote Positive Masculinity, Mental Health, and HIV Awareness! This song is important for all young people on the continent. We all needed a 'BESHTE YANGU' when facing life's challenges, and this song was an appeal to support each other and show solidarity. The song was in Kiswahili, but it was designed to appeal to all young people as it showcased challenges we could all face. Listening to each other and asking for help was an important part of the solution. And it was okay not to be okay, men.
Young people in Sub-Saharan Africa face significant challenges, including high school dropout rates, new HIV infections, gender-based violence (GBV), and early and unintended pregnancies (EUPs). In Kenya, with a population of 47.5 million, addressing the Sexual and Reproductive Health needs of its 7.9 million young people aged 15-24 remains a pressing issue. 184,000 young individuals in this age group are living with HIV, with 17,000 new infections occurring each year. Negative Sexual and Reproductive Health outcomes, such as unintended pregnancies and violence, disrupt the well-being of students, limiting their potential.
In response to these challenges, the University of Nairobi, Kenya Medical Training College, and UNESCO joined forces through the O3 Plus project, which aimed to increase knowledge about HIV, unplanned pregnancies, mental health, and gender-based violence. The project emphasizes social accountability, supports health education, creates an enabling policy environment, and advocates for zero tolerance of harassment and violence. O3 Plus is implemented across the University of Nairobi's 10 campuses and 3 Kenya Medical Training College campuses, prioritizing student well-being and fostering a safe environment for all.
I am very happy that this song by King Kaka, 'Beshte Yangu,' was launched on this important World Population Day and was in Kiswahili, which is now one of the official languages of the African Union. It was a sweet and educational song, especially for young people in relation to positive masculinity, mental health, and HIV. It is my hope that apart from having fun, young people would understand the educational message intended by the artist
"BESHTE YANGU" undoubtedly captivated students with its powerful message and infectious rhythms during the concert. King Kaka, in collaboration with UNESCO, managed to ignite a deeper appreciation of the importance of young people's Education for Health and Well-being in the continent, while inspiring young people to reach their full potential.
