Influence of Transitional Youth Program on Peer Relationships among Post-High School Youth: A Case Study of theTransitional VUMA Program of Nairobi Chapel Church, Nairobi Kenya

Abstract

Post high school youth programs have lately been recognized as key in facilitating transition from school to college or work. They have highly contributed to the holistic growth of participants: spiritual, social, personal and physical. As the education system in Kenya releases over half a million youth into tertiary institutions annually, there is generally a gap year between school and campus that has been utilized by family and institutions to occupy the youth and equip them with skills that can foster college adjustment. It is on this premise that the study sought to find out the influence of transitional programs on the social lives of the youth, especially in connecting with peers within the theoretical framework of the rite of passage schema. Phenomenological research design was done qualitatively among 30 out of 112 participants of the 2018 edition of the Nairobi Chapel VUMA program with the main tool being interviews. Six counselors were also interviewed together with the program director. The data was transcribed and coded using the NVIVO software; thereby producing themes for discussion. Findings showed that the youth experienced social adaptation which led to a sense of community through close interactions. They also acquired social skills including choosing the right friends and resilience through conflict management. These relationships and skills would hopefully enable youth to adjust to life beyond school.