By Esther Muchiri, CEO – eMentoring Africa (10/10/24)
Today was an incredible day! We joined forces for MAZINGIRA DAY, an event all about environmental conservation, organized by Slums & Hikes Expeditions. Our eMentoring Africa team, along with the 2024 eMA Fellows, headed to Mathare—the second-largest slum in Kenya—for a cleanup that turned out to be so much more.
Now, I have been to Mathare before, earlier this year when the floods hit hard, washing away homes and tragically taking lives. But stepping back into Mathare today felt like a whole new experience. There’s something about being part of a community effort, side by side with those who live and breathe the reality every day, that really brings it home. It shifts your perspective in profound ways.
We were welcomed by Ajax Rock City, an inspiring group of young people from Mathare-4A. These youth, mostly between 20-24 years old (some already with families), have taken matters into their own hands. Ajax Rock City empowers them through activities like cleanups, football, karate, and mental wellness programs.
On top of that, they have started vegetable gardens and chicken-rearing projects—completely managed by the youth. They are hardworking, motivated, and committed to providing for their families, but they are looking for that next step: the chance to go to college, gain skills, and create a better life.
It is not just about survival for these youths. It is about growth. They aspire to be agents of change not only within their families but also in their communities at large. However, financial barriers and insufficient resources often stand in their way, limiting their potential.
We also had the privilege of sitting down with them on the verandah listening to their personal stories and journeys. They spoke of their hopes and dreams, the challenges they have faced, and their determination to overcome them. More than ever, it was clear they were not just asking for help. They were asking for empowerment, i.e., the tools, opportunities, and support to create a better future for themselves and their community.
Julius, an eMentoring Africa fellow, was profoundly inspired by the stories shared by his peers. In response he volunteered to provide ICT skills training, every Saturday for at least an hour and a half with a goal to try and help the young people in these communities to develop digital skills that will open educational opportunities and equip them with the power to shape their future and becoming vital leaders in their communities.
To commemorate the day, I planted an avocado tree, a small symbol of hope and sustainability in a place that’s so ready for positive change. It was a moment that really captured the spirit of the day—working together to create something lasting.
We also had the pleasure of teaming up with Waka Africa, an organization focused on climate action and mental wellness, who brought great energy and purpose to the event. And a huge shoutout to Mr. Gichure and Mr. Kiarie of Slums & Hikes Expeditions, who made this day happen.
One of the day’s highlights was the involvement of Mr. Eric Ochieng, a board member of eMentoring Africa, who didn’t just join us for the cleanup—he also volunteered to offer pro bono legal services to Ajax Rock City and the youth beneficiaries. That’s the kind of support that truly makes a difference.
This day wasn’t just about picking up trash; it was about building connections, empowering youth, and planting seeds of change (literally and figuratively) in a community that’s ready to thrive. In the heart of Mathare-4A, we witnessed the resilience of youth and strength of a community that has endured floods and demolitions, reminding us that even the smallest actions can ignite a movement, and together, we can transform our world into a better place.
We left Mathare feeling energized and hopeful—knowing that together, we are all capable of creating lasting, positive change.
