In an era where community-driven initiatives are crucial for societal transformation, Voice of Dagoretti Community-Based Organization (CBO) stands out as a beacon of hope in Nairobi's informal settlements.
We spoke with John Mwangi, the organization’s director, to learn more about its mission, impact, and future aspirations.
Personal Background
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and what inspired you to get involved with the Voice of Dagoretti CBO?
"My name is John Mwangi, and I am a community advocate dedicated to empowering young people, particularly in the informal settlements around Nairobi. My journey into advocacy began with a passion for social change, particularly focusing on mental health, sexual reproductive health, and gender-based violence. These issues deeply affect our communities, and I wanted to create a safe space for individuals to access the information and services they need for their well-being."
What motivated you to focus on Mental Health, Sexual Reproductive Health, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) advocacy?
"My biggest motivation is to ensure that women and young people have safe spaces where they can interact and access crucial services. These issues are intertwined; addressing them collectively creates a more supportive environment for everyone involved."
About the Voice of Dagoretti CBO
How did Voice of Dagoretti CBO come about, and what inspired its creation?
"Voice of Dagoretti CBO is a youth-led organization that began in 2017 as a youth group focused on advocacy through performing arts. We transitioned to a CBO in 2022. The founding group consisted of four artists who recognized the power of art in communicating social issues and fostering dialogue within the community."
What is the main mission and vision of the organization?
"Our vision is to create a world where youth realize their full potential. Our mission involves initiating socially and economically sustainable avenues for youth to thrive."
Could you explain the three thematic areas the organization focuses on—Mental Health, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?
"We aim to provide a holistic approach to these interconnected issues. Our work in mental health focuses on reducing stigma and increasing access to services. In sexual reproductive health, we advocate for education and access to resources, particularly for young people. Finally, our GBV initiatives focus on raising awareness, supporting survivors, and creating safe spaces for dialogue."
Mental Health
Why is mental health an important issue in Dagoretti, and what challenges are people facing in terms of access to mental health services?
"Mental health is critical in Dagoretti due to the lack of resources and mental health counselors available in informal settlements. We have initiated advocacy efforts to encourage community leaders and stakeholders to champion mental health services, aiming for these services to be free and accessible."
What initiatives or programs does the organization run to address mental health issues?
"One key program is Mental Health Mtaani, which takes place monthly. It brings young people together with mental health counselors to discuss various topics. We also engage in community outreach through performing arts, encouraging dialogue and raising awareness about mental health."
What impact have these mental health initiatives had on the community so far?
"So far, we've reached over 500 women and youth in Dagoretti and trained 20 mental health champions in schools and community settings. These initiatives have helped break down barriers and encourage open discussions about mental health."
Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
Why is SRHR advocacy important, particularly for youth and women in Dagoretti?
"SRHR advocacy is crucial due to the high rates of teenage pregnancy and a general lack of information on sexual reproductive health. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, we conduct community awareness programs that engage parents, young people, and religious leaders."
What specific challenges do young people face when it comes to accessing sexual and reproductive health services?
"The main challenges include cultural myths and misconceptions about sexual health and a lack of financial resources. These barriers can make it difficult for young people to access the services they need."
Can you talk about some of the SRHR programs the organization runs and the impact they’ve had on community awareness and access to services?
"We run the Wezesha Young Mothers Program, which empowers young mothers aged 15 to 20 through skills training in areas like yogurt making and financial literacy. We also have the Wezesha Girl Child initiative, which creates safe spaces for girls to discuss sexual reproductive health, complemented by sanitary pad donations."
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Advocacy
What inspired the organization to focus on Gender-Based Violence advocacy, and how prevalent is the issue in your community?
"The need for GBV advocacy arose from the alarming rates of violence and the lack of information among survivors. Many did not know where to seek help. We partnered with various stakeholders to raise awareness and provide support, working closely with gender desk officers at local police stations."
How does Voice of Dagoretti CBO support GBV survivors, and what are some of the challenges you face in this work?
"We support GBV survivors by linking them to health institutions, gender desk officers, and pro bono legal services. However, our biggest challenge is the lack of resources to adequately support all our programs."
Can you share any success stories or examples where your GBV programs have made a real difference?
"We've trained over 35 GBV champions in Dagoretti and successfully linked more than 40 survivors to health facilities and legal services. These stories of resilience and recovery are what motivate us to continue our work."
Challenges and Future Goals
What challenges do you face in your work at Voice of Dagoretti CBO?
"The biggest challenge is the lack of sufficient resources to support our extensive programs."
What are your future goals for the organization, and how do you plan to expand the impact of your work in the three thematic areas?
"Our future goals include establishing safe spaces in all sub-counties across Kenya and mentoring more young advocates. We also aim to collaborate with like-minded organizations to amplify our impact."
Personal Reflections
How has working with Voice of Dagoretti CBO impacted you personally?
"As a young advocate with over five years of experience, Voice of Dagoretti CBO has provided me with a platform to grow and empower my community. I've learned the importance of collaboration and advocacy in driving change."
What is one message or call to action you’d like to share with those who are unaware of the issues Voice of Dagoretti CBO addresses?
"Our community is our responsibility. I encourage young people to embrace advocacy and work towards transforming their communities while empowering themselves. Together, we can make a difference."
