County Youth and Adolescent (CYAN) Kenya

ABOUT US County Youth and Adolescent Network (CYAN Kenya) https://www.cyankenya.org/) is a registered youth led Community Based Organization established in the year 2016 as magnetic Theatre Group and registered on 2nd May 2019 as a Community Based Organization. It targets rural and hard to reach through right-based approach model. CYAN uses advocacy, social behavior change (SBC) and community led research approaches in implementing adolescent and reproductive health programs, social accountability Gender issues and socioeconomic empowerment targeting adolescents and young people in the rural settings of Suba South and Suba North in Homa Bay County. The organization works with the government and other stakeholders at the local and county level ORGANIZATION GOAL: To create resources and options, to improve access to safe, affordable, and sustainable services, in partnership with key stakeholders. ORGANIZATION VISION An equitable society where adolescents and young people enjoy their rights and live in dignity. ORGANIZATION MISSION To promote health, and development of young people, through research, empowerment, advocacy, and capacity building. THEMATIC AREAS 1. Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Objective: To facilitate increased access to comprehensive and integrated SRHR services Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights implies that people can have a fulfilling and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide, if, when and how often to do so. This thematic area seeks to contribute to creating an enabling environment for the realization of SRHR of adolescent and young people by addressing barriers of such as limited access to, stigmatization of and or discrimination of users and providers of SRHR services. CYAN has continued to empower young people to make healthy choices about social norms, attitudes and practices on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. It has also influence social attitudes and practices towards these services and facilitated community’s access to the services. These interventions have, among other things, led to a reduction in, teenage pregnancy, SGBV, Child, Forced and Early Marriages. Additionally, there has been improved gender responsive and SRH service delivery at the community and County levels. 2. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Objective: To contribute to the prevention of GBV cases and provide effective response for survivors. CYAN engages with law and policymakers at both national and county levels to develop and implement regulatory frameworks addressing SGBV. CYAN fosters strategic partnerships with various GBV actors, including CSO networks, GBV working groups, Court User Committees, health institutions, criminal justice system actors, to ensure integrated, efficient, and timely GBV service delivery. Utilizing Local Livelihood Forums (LLF), Community Health Strategy Components (community dialogue days), institutional facilitation awareness, point person referrals and linkages (youth peer providers), and Magnetic Theater (GBV skits), CYAN promotes community-driven dialogue and action, increasing intolerance to GBV and improving the reporting of GBV cases. 3. Socioeconomic Empowerment (Youth Livelihood and Development) Objective: To empower young people by building their capacities and ensuring equal access to rights, opportunities, and economic resources. This thematic area focuses on eliminating inequalities that deprive young people of basic rights, resources, and opportunities. In terms of economic empowerment, CYAN acts as an enabler by positioning young people to access economic resources and opportunities, as well as acquire essential skills. 4. Accountability and Governance Good governance is essential for the resilience and effectiveness of any system, with governments playing a primary role and non-state actors, such as practitioners and civil society, providing critical support. CYAN Kenya partners with various organizations to promote good governance across multiple sectors, focusing on the following key areas: • Evidence-based Policymaking: Ensuring policies are informed by reliable data and research. • Transparency: Maintaining openness in policymaking, resource allocation, and performance monitoring. • Responsible Leadership: Prioritizing key issues and making informed decisions. • Legitimate Exercise of Citizens' Voice: Empowering citizens to have a say in governance processes. • Institutional Checks and Balances: Ensuring accountability and fairness in system operations. • Clear and Enforceable Accountability: Holding all stakeholders responsible for their roles and actions.