Abiya is among 210 children from Korogocho in Nairobi, Kenya, who have been enrolled in PlanZ – a child participation model implemented by the JOFA Project. PlanZ a Human-Centered Design methodology that empowers children and equips them as active agents of change to come up with solution and ideas to ending violence against children.
Abiya* is a 12-year-old girl living with her mother in Korogocho urban informal settlement in Nairobi City, in Kenya.
She is the first-born child in a family of 4 children. Abiya’s parents held different nationalities, and their ethnic, cultural and religious differences resulted to family conflicts, and discrimination in the community.
While growing up, Abiya faced childhood abuse, and psychological torture since her peers in their neighborhood isolated her at the playground.
Due to the escalating family conflicts, her parents separated, leaving Abiya and her young siblings under the care of their mother, who is their primary caregiver. The family moved from Garissa in Kenya, and settled in a new environment, in Korogocho slums, Nairobi. Life in the slums characterized by shanty shelters was not easy for Abiya – they were exposed to poor hygiene, lack of clean water and numerous diseases. Besides, they could also hardly afford food of nutritious value twice a day.
Because of financial constraints, her mother was also unable to continue paying her school levies to enable her transition to Junior Secondary School and retain her in school. Through support from the neighbors and other well-wishers, Abiya was enrolled in school to pursue her education in the nearby Junior Secondary school which was about 5 kilometers away from their home. While at school, she lacked essential scholastic materials, which interrupted her learning.
Joining Forces for Africa (JOFA) Project through Terre des Hommes Community Mentors identified Abiya during one of the home visits. The team found Abiya home while her peers were in school learning, and her mother reported that she didn’t have scholastic materials. To ensure her studies are not interrupted, JOFA Project supported Abiya with scholastic material which enabled her to continue with her education. Further, the Project partnered with Korogocho Restoring Dignity, a Community-Based Organization that focuses on restoring the human dignity of the people of Korogocho, to link her up for further education support.
Abiya was also enrolled to participate in children’s activities including mentorship programs and Plan Z which is a Human-Centered Design methodology that empowers children and equips them as active agents of change to come up with solution and ideas to ending violence against children in Korogocho. She is among 210 children from Korogocho who have been enrolled in PlanZ – a child participation model implemented by JOFA Project.
“PlanZ sessions conducted by JOFA Project have made me more confident and creative since during the sessions, we identify child protection risks and come up with innovative solutions to address the risks.” Abiya noted.
Abiya’s mother is among 3122 parents and caregivers in Korogocho who are participating in Parenting without Violence sessions, which have enabled her to better relate with her children. They have been taught on family dreams and selfcare for caregiver, the right to be safe, positive parenting goals, and caring for children with emotional warmth and structure. The parents and caregivers have also been sensitized on understanding children their views and feelings 0-5 years, 6-9years, 10-17years, respectful communication and problem solving, respectful communication and positive relationships, and supporting our children each other and seeking support. JOFA Project also linked her mother with Hope Worldwide Kenya – an NGO that has empowered her with entrepreneurial skills after which she was given a business start-up kit which enabled her to run a business to enable her meet her family needs.
“I have learnt how to care for my children with warmth, and to cope with stress. Today, I don’t direct my anger and frustration to my children, instead we have continuous conversation at the and correct them in love.” Her mother reported.
As a result of JOFA Project interventions, Abiya’s teachers have reported that her performance in school has since improved. Her mother is also more involved in her academic and social life and is keenly monitoring her progress both in school and at home.
JOFA Project team are making constant follow-up and home visits to the family to assess their situation, and refer them for further assistance including counselling and referral to the relevant authorities for service provision.
To date, Abiya is happily in school and hopes to become a physician in future.
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This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union.
Its contents are the sole responsibility of Joining Forces and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.