Alex Matere is the Executive Director of Youth Bridge Kenya, a youth-serving non-governmental organization guided by a vision of pursuing an egalitarian and progressive society where the youth fully actualize social, political and economic rights.  Alex holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from Kenyatta University and in Public Management from the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the University of Chile, and a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi. He is a distinguished member of the Institute of Public Policy Practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Corporate Governance from Kenya School of Government, Institute of Certified Secretaries and State Corporations Advisory Council. He previously served as Secretary General of the University of Nairobi Students Union where he represented students in University of Nairobi Council and University of Nairobi Senate. He was appointed to the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation Board of Directors, where he chaired the Audit Committee. In 2022, Alex was nominated by the then ruling political party, Jubilee, to represent the youth in the National Assembly.  

IVLP Impact Award Project: Ubuntu Youth Mentorship Program

The project will create a mentorship program for high school boys in the Kangemi informal settlement in Niarobi, Kenya. The program seeks to obliterate the barriers faced in the slum area by creating a platform for building strong, lasting bridges to opportunity for boys through education support, career exploration, mental health and psychosocial support. This will be supported by a well-designed Brother-to-Brother mentorship session for participants. 

So far, Alex has conducted a six-day mentorship training, including career exploration, character development, and psychosocial support sessions for 50 adolescent boys. One session featured a virtual presentation from Bobby Belton from the "My Brother’s Keeper" in Orlando, Florida, an organization Alex connected with during his IVLP. These sessions were followed by individualized brother-to-brother mentorship sessions, focusing on repairing relationships with teachers, parents, and the community. Alex also visited schools, interacting with 500 students to evaluate the program’s impact on participants, their classmates and the broader community.  The program has led to improved academic performance, reduced absenteeism, and lower dropout rates among participants. Alex remarked that the project, “has been a profound opportunity, impacting lives of our erstwhile neglected and marginalized teenagers. Giving them hope for a better future and witnessing them positively change their habits for the better remains an inspiration not just to me but to the network involved including volunteers, teachers, religious and community leaders, and the local administration.”

Explore Alex's insights on his IVLP Impact Award project and IVLP experience in this in-depth article, highlighting the power of global collaboration and cultural exchange: IVLP Impact Awards Perspectives: Mentoring the Leaders of Tomorrow | Meridian International Center

“As the old generation have their handshake, the young generation needs a hand up from destitution, hopelessness and disgruntlement.” - Alex Matere 

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Alex participated in the IVLP Project Youth and Civic Engagement, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with Global Ties Akron, International House, WorldBoston, and WorldOrlando.  

Alex's exchange experience led to the development of his project: "This program is inspired by My Brother’s Keeper's Initiative in Orlando, Florida that was launched by President Obama to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential. It was insightful to see how the program has had a positive impact on neglected youth who otherwise turn to juvenile delinquency, crime, or drug abuse. Addressing these challenges and mitigating their future societal problems is inspirational and sets the platform of borrowing a best practice that can be replicated locally.”

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Orlando, FL; Boston, MA; Akron, OH 

Country: Kenya

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