Neftaly: Empowering Youth Through Safety Education and Leadership in Informal Settlements
Introduction
In Africa’s informal settlements, young people represent both the largest demographic group and the greatest untapped force for positive change. Yet, they are often the most affected by safety challenges — from fire risks and poor infrastructure to violence and health hazards.
Neftaly believes in the transformative power of youth. Through our Youth Safety Education and Leadership Initiative, we are equipping young people in informal settlements with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead community-driven solutions that make their neighborhoods safer, more resilient, and more hopeful.
The Challenge
Youth in informal settlements face a range of safety-related issues:
- Unsafe Housing prone to fires, floods, or structural collapse
- Lack of Access to Emergency Services and first aid knowledge
- Gender-Based Violence and limited safe spaces
- Crime and Substance Abuse, especially among vulnerable youth
- Lack of Representation in planning, decision-making, or safety initiatives
Despite these challenges, youth often lead informal support networks, respond first in emergencies, and influence their peers. Neftaly is harnessing this leadership potential.
Our Approach: Educate. Equip. Empower.
1. Safety Education & Training
Neftaly runs hands-on workshops and mobile learning programs that cover:
- Fire safety and first response
- Basic disaster preparedness and evacuation
- Personal safety and mental health awareness
- Gender-based violence prevention
- Environmental safety and sanitation
All training is community-based, interactive, and tailored to local contexts.
2. Youth Leadership Development
We identify and mentor local youth leaders through:
- Leadership boot camps and safety ambassador programs
- Community project design and management training
- Public speaking, advocacy, and policy engagement
- Peer education skills and digital storytelling
Youth participants are encouraged to lead their own safety campaigns and serve as role models in their neighborhoods.
3. Youth-Led Safety Projects
Neftaly provides mini-grants and technical support for youth-led initiatives such as:
- Installing community fire extinguishers or water points
- Creating “Safe Zones” or peer support groups
- Hosting safety awareness days and local radio programs
- Developing mobile apps for reporting unsafe conditions
These projects give youth a voice and a stake in shaping their future.
Impact Goals (2025–2027)
- Train 10,000+ youth in safety awareness and emergency response
- Support 500 youth-led safety initiatives across 10 urban settlements
- Develop a regional Youth Safety Leadership Network
- Integrate youth safety champions into municipal urban planning efforts
- Reduce safety-related incidents involving youth by 30% in target areas
Success Story: Asha’s Voice in Mathare, Kenya
At just 19, Asha became a Neftaly-trained safety ambassador. After witnessing a fire in her settlement, she mobilized her peers to install locally-made fire extinguishers and start a first aid training group. Today, her initiative reaches over 300 households, and she’s advocating for youth representation in Nairobi’s urban safety plans.
Why This Matters
Empowering youth isn’t charity — it’s smart urban development. Young people:
- Understand their communities
- Are digitally connected and creative
- Inspire change through peer influence
- Will shape the cities of tomorrow
With the right support, they can become the frontline defenders of safety and dignity in even the most challenging environments.
Get Involved
- Are you a youth leader? Join our training programs or apply for a grant.
- Are you an organization? Partner with us on co-delivery, funding, or curriculum design.
- Are you a policymaker? Include youth voices in your safety and housing strategies.
Contact Neftaly
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Neftaly – Igniting Youth Leadership for Safer Communities


