St John Cadets (12-18 yrs)
The St John Cadet Movement is easily one of Kenya's most admired and vibrant youth- involving programmes today. The Cadet movement takes in young people aged between 12- 18 years, most of them in high school. Currently, there are about 7,000 cadet volunteers, with many cadet divisions in high schools all around the country.
The Cadets are taught First Aid and Emergency Response early into the programme, as well as other ancillary subjects. They start to practice this almost immediately. But the pride of our youth programme is its emphasis on personal development, which includes training and practice in administration and leadership as well as different life skills. Being a paramilitary organization, our cadets are also trained in the highest standards of discipline and prepared to be reponsible members of society.
By the time one is through with the cadet programme, they are able to effectively handle small groups and have usually developed life-long life and social skills, besides giving thousands of hours back in community service and public duty.
The Grand Prior Award is the highest award a cadet can achieve in St John. As such, it forms a central part of our cadet's activities, and gives them an option to complete a set of 12 subjects of their choice that are not necessarily part of their daily curriculum in school or elsewhere. Subjects include administration skills, care skills (for the community, for the sick etc), society topics such as Gender and Sexuality Issues, HIV/AIDS, Drug & Substance Abuse, map reading & navigation, life & social skills and many more. When a cadet completes the 12 subjects, he receives the Grand Prior Award issued by HRH Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is the Grand Prior.
The Cadets participate in various activities throughout their membership including public and community service, hospital duty and first aid cover for various events. They also have social activities such as out-of-town camps, picnics, educational trips and topical discussions during their weekly meetings. Every year, the cadets also take part in First Aid and Drill competitions, both at the national and international level.