The Impact of Counselling Youth in Parishes In Nairobi Catholic Archdiocese

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to find out the impact of counselling youth in Archdiocese of Nairobi. It was conducted as case studies in Guadalupe Parish and Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. The targeted population was the youth. The respondents provided useful information as to whether counselling youth in parishes has a positive or negative impact. The research reflects the need for an integrated formation for youth because of the many challenges they face in today's society, and have no adequate formation like that of tradition African society. Through the questionnaires and interviews given to the youth and leaders, it is evident that the youth long for a formation that would bring them integration in their lives, a formation that will help them take charge of the events that happen in their lives and not let the events take charge of them. The findings from the data collected show that the youth in parishes long to have a trustful and skilled counsellor who can be the point of reference and, through individual listening to them know how to solve their problems. A parish formative youth counselling program, seems to be considered an urgent need from the parish leaders and youth themselves. However, to apply a formative youth counselling program in the parishes, will need to have premises and personnel. The findings have shown that some parishes have the premise for such a formation but others do not have it. However, the leaders' willingness to support such a formation is a hope that it is possible to use it as long as the parish leaders and the entire community plan for it. It also shows that the leaders see the urgent need for such a formation because it will be beneficial to their young people, in the hope that, through their witness something will change in their lives. What other impact would counselling bring than to help the youth be fully alive and human? This is the greatest impact counselling offers to the youth in the present society.