A new chapter in youth empowerment was unveiled on Friday evening as the Hopes, Dreams and Dignity Foundation (HDND) officially launched its operations and introduced the Executive Protocol Academy during a Charity Gala Dinner held at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi.
The event, held under the theme "Dignity in Work: Restoring Hope for the Youth," brought together government officials, corporate leaders, diplomats, faith leaders, media personalities, and youth advocates to discuss practical solutions to youth unemployment and social challenges facing young Kenyans.
Speaking during the launch, HDND Founder Ruth Mueni, HSC, said restoring hope for young people requires more than creating jobs. She emphasized the need to build character, dignity, leadership, and professional skills that prepare young people for today's competitive workplace.
Mueni challenged society to play a greater role in mentoring and supporting young people, noting that many youths struggle due to a lack of guidance and opportunity. She called on families, institutions, and community leaders to invest in mentorship and values that promote respect, responsibility, and integrity.
Addressing the issue of menstrual health, Mueni proposed the establishment of "menstrual banks" in schools and encouraged well-wishers to sponsor vulnerable girls by providing sanitary products to help keep them in school.
She revealed that the Hopes, Dreams and Dignity Foundation has already supported hundreds of volunteers and continues to champion civic education, youth mentorship, and girls' empowerment initiatives across the country.
The founder also highlighted growing concerns over unemployment in Africa, saying academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient to secure employment. She stressed the importance of soft skills such as professional etiquette, executive protocol, communication, leadership, and diplomacy.
The evening also marked the official unveiling of the Executive Protocol Academy, a new institution established to prepare young professionals for careers in government, diplomacy, corporate leadership, and international relations through specialized training in protocol, etiquette, corporate communication, and leadership.
According to the organizers, the academy has already strengthened its capacity through a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kenya School of Government, aimed at delivering world-class training in diplomacy and professional excellence.
Mueni further linked rising mental health challenges among young people to social and economic pressures, urging employers and communities to create supportive environments that uphold dignity in the workplace. She also encouraged young people to embrace discipline, seek guidance from mentors and elders, and use social media responsibly.
The gala attracted several distinguished guests, including government leaders, religious figures, corporate executives, and media professionals, who pledged support for initiatives aimed at restoring hope and expanding opportunities for Kenya's youth.
With the launch of both the Hopes, Dreams and Dignity Foundation and the Executive Protocol Academy, the organizers expressed optimism that the initiative will help bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with the practical skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to thrive in today's workforce.
