In our communities, real change often begins with a conversation about struggles, healing, and hope. This is the story of two individuals brought together by purpose, driven by passion, and focused on making an impact. My name is Tony Rugo, and I am a community health promoter and mental health champion dedicated to supporting youth. Alongside me on this journey is Mercy Wambui, a fellow mental health advocate whose passion is working with young mothers.
Mercy and I “met” (not that we didn’t know each other from our small community) during a transformative mental health program organized by SDI-Kenya, Tabasamu Cafe, and Basic Needs Basic Rights that took place from February 25th to 29th this year. The training didn't just teach us about mental wellness; it awakened something inside us. For Mercy, it was a deeper calling to walk alongside young girls who become mothers and are often silenced
by stigma, yet hold untapped strength. For me, it became clear that young people, especially those in informal settlements and marginalized areas, need safe spaces, honest conversations, and someone who believes in their potential.
What brought us together was not just the training, but the fire ignited in our hearts to act. We shared ideas, stories, frustrations, and victories. Mercy’s empathy and authenticity constantly inspire me. Her work with young moms is nothing short of life-changing. She listens without judgment, oVers support unconditionally, and reminds them that their story isn't over.
Together, we’ve participated in awareness campaigns, community dialogues, and peer support groups. We’ve seen how just one conversation can change a mindset. How one act of compassion can transform a life.
There was a day when someone just showed up at one of our safe space sessions, looking disturbed. At first, I thought he was drunk or something. As we were wrapping up, Mercy asked anyone who had something to share privately to come and see either of us after the session. Immediately afterward, he approached me and shared that he had just found out his wife, with whom they had a child, was cheating on him. I listened actively and without judgment, encouraging him to process his emotions and reminding him to focus on his
mental wellness. He’s been attending our safe space sessions, and he seems to be doing better compared to when he first came.
This isn’t just our story; it’s the beginning of many more. As mental health champions, we believe in healing, hope, and community. And we know we’re just getting started.
In her interview, Nicera Wanjiru shares the impactful stories of two young residents from Kibera informal settlement, Vivian Vushele and Charles Gicura, as they reflect on how the Covid-19 pandemic has transformed their lives. Both faced significant challenges: Vivian experienced her parents' separation, while Charles had to pivot from a career in hospitality due to the industry's collapse. Their narratives highlight the emotional and economic upheaval that many young people endured during this unprecedented time.
In this piece, Jacob Omondi, Jackline Waithaka, and Jane Wairutu discuss the profound impact of COVID-19 on youth in informal settlements like Mathare, Nairobi. The pandemic has exacerbated job losses and financial instability, particularly affecting those in the informal economic sector, where many young people rely on daily earnings from their businesses.
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