Empowering the Children in Kangemi
By Alexander Masika
Last week, the Jesuit Development Office team at Kangemi conducted a community project at the New Kihumbuini Primary School, focusing on distributing sanitary pads and boxers and giving a psychosocial training to 378 vulnerable children. This initiative aimed to meet the physical needs and provide essential psychosocial support to these children, primarily from the Kangemi slum.
The activity unfolded over two significant days, bringing both relief and empowerment to the children. On June 6, the Jesuit Development Team, with the aid of Mrs. Mwangi, the deputy headteacher, organized the distribution session to ensure a smooth and dignified process for every child. The sanitary pads would enable girls to attend school regularly without the fear or embarrassment that often comes with menstruation, especially in the early stages of life. Similarly, the boxers would provide the boys with much-needed comfort and a sense of pride. This is the third round that we are doing such an exercise over a period of 9 months. The smiles and gratitude on their faces were heartwarming, reflecting the immediate impact of the initiative.
Yet the project’s significance extended beyond the distribution of these essential items. On Saturday, June 8, the Jesuit Development team, recognizing the importance of addressing emotional and psychological well-being, executed a psychosocial training facilitated by Mr. Cornel Ogutu. This session aimed to equip the selected children with the tools to cope with their challenging environments, understand their rights and responsibilities, and how to report a rights’ violation.
The facilitator led the training, using stories, games, and discussions to create a safe and supportive environment. The training emphasized the importance of self-esteem, resilience, and community support.
Overall, the children learned valuable skills about their challenging environment and protection rights, which will help them navigate their daily lives with a renewed sense of confidence and hope. And of course, all this was concluded with a sumptuous meal that left everyone with a cheerful face!
