by Peninah Nthenya Musyimi, Executive Director of Safe Spaces, and Leslie Janoe, AWC Amsterdam
One of the beautiful things about FAWCO’s Target Project, Awesome Blossoms, is that the profits from its hydroponic urban farms will go to support Safe Spaces’ girls’ education and empowerment programs in Nairobi, Kenya.
In this article, Peninah Nthenya Musyimi, Safe Spaces Executive Director, and Catherine Onyango, Safe Spaces Program Manager, introduce you to one of those programs – Safe Spaces Library’s “Each One, Teach One” Girls’ Reading Club.
In 2022 Safe Spaces was awarded a $4000 FAWCO Development Grant that helped launch this project.
Safe Spaces is determined to change lives and the community by providing a safe space for girls and women to learn and grow into strong qualified individuals who can escape poverty, violence and exclusion. We want to build a stronger generation of young women who can become self-reliant and have a ripple effect in their community.
Safe Spaces’ motto is “I am the Change.” We teach the 1500 girls that participate in our programs that they can make a difference in their own lives. We also emphasize the responsibility to give back with our other motto: “Each one, Teach one.” Girls learn that they can become leaders by sharing what they learn.
Our Safe Spaces Library’s goal is to create a reading culture in Nairobi’s Eastland slums through “pioneers” in Girls' Reading Club.
What is Safe Spaces Library’s “Each One, Teach One” Girls’ Reading Club? It is a haven for young girls, aged about 5 to 16, who call the bustling and vibrant informal settlements of Mathare their home.
Initially, 90 girls were selected in 2022 for their passion in learning and their ability to mentor. Our librarian guided them to read, research, present, debate and write their learnings. Guest facilitators introduced new topics and perspectives beyond their experience in the slums.
Our Reading Club is not just about books; it's about cultivating the seeds of knowledge, curiosity, and empowerment in the hearts and minds of these young girls. It's a place where their imaginations take flight, where they can dive into stories that transport them to new worlds and introduce them to characters who inspire and empower.
Overcoming Obstacles
The “Each one, Teach One” Girls’ Reading Club initiative was able to achieve its objectives in spite of significant unexpected obstacles. In 2022 political violence in Mathare created an unstable and unsafe environment. This hindered regular operations, including the gathering of participants and the smooth functioning of the Reading Club. The safety and well-being of the girls and staff had to be prioritized, which resulted in disruptions to some planned activities. Our library also encountered an unexpected challenge of having to relocate to another building, impacting project operations and causing logistical difficulties. The process required time and effort, resulting in temporary disruptions and delays in providing uninterrupted services to the girls and other library users.
Growing
In spite of the challenges, the Girls’ Reading Club has grown. In 2023, it welcomed a total of 350 girls, marking an increase from 90 in the previous year.
Activities: During 2023, more girls are rotating through smaller sessions. Each Saturday, approximately 60 girls gather in distinct age groups of 5-10 yrs, 11-16 yrs, and 16+ yrs. This grouping is essential to tailor our activities to their specific developmental needs and provide an environment where they can engage with age-appropriate literature. Younger girls explore colorful picture books, while teenagers delve into more complex themes and narratives. This approach ensures that every girl benefits optimally from the program, fostering a deep connection to reading and learning.
Guest Speaker Sessions: One of the features of the Safe Spaces Girls’ Reading Club is the engagement of inspiring guest speakers. Throughout 2023, we had the privilege of hosting eight guest speakers. These remarkable individuals shared their wisdom and experiences with our girls, focusing on topics that resonated with the community. Topics ranged from “Overcoming Challenges in Mathare” to “The Power of Education in Breaking Barriers.”
Outcome: These interactions resulted in an increased sense of empowerment and motivation among the girls. They were exposed to diverse life stories that reflect the struggles and triumphs within Mathare. The speakers not only expanded their horizons but also instilled the belief that they can overcome adversities and reach their full potential, irrespective of their circumstances. It's a spark of hope, vital for young individuals growing up in a challenging environment.
Ripple Effects
The Girls’ Reading Club is having a ripple effect in the community. It has planted the seeds of a Reading Culture in Mathare.
Girls Becoming Mentors: In 2022, 25 girls embraced leadership roles and became mentors - guiding and supporting their peers, encouraging and promoting reading within the community. In 2023, another 25 girls became mentors.
Teacher Training: In 2022, Safe Spaces’ commitment to empowering educators was realized through the training of 20 teachers; 2 each from 10 different schools. The librarian taught them computer research skills, enhancing their ability to support and engage their students effectively.
A pivotal platform for empowering the young girls of Mathare: Through the Safe Spaces Girls’ Reading Club, these girls embark on exciting literary journeys, exploring tales of courage, friendship, and dreams. In a setting designed to be nurturing and supportive, they have the opportunity to read, discuss, and share their thoughts on books that speak to their unique experiences and aspirations.
This club is a sanctuary where their voices are not just heard but celebrated. It's a place where they can embrace the joys of reading and learning, helping them become not just proficient readers but confident, articulate, and empowered young individuals.
