Psycho-social support in human settlement Silanga, KIbera

1. Presented at the JENGA II workshop (the East Africa Psycho-social Network) Kasoa Stephen, Njue Jacqueline September,2015. Psycho-social support in human settlementSilanga, KIbera

2. History of Kilimanjaro Initiative The Kilimanjaro Initiative (KI) was born in 2005 as a result of youth-related violence, with the hope of providing alternatives to those who may find themselves in similar situations as those who perpetrated the violence. Their situation resulted from poverty and a possible belief that crime is the only means of improving or changing their economic reality. The mission of KI is to demonstrate to young people that there are other avenues available to them and their economic and social conditions should not be seen as a hindrance. With effort, perseverance and self-determination, everything and anything is possible.

3. KI projects • KI annual Mt Kilimanjaro climb • Youth leadership and training program • Sports field upgrading • KI radio show at Pamoja FM -99.9 • Trinity Boxing club Kibera • Global Alumni program (GAP) in partnership with Fight for peace (FFP)- boxing and martial arts, leadership, mentorship , education and employability • KI Psycho Social Support Sessions • KI Beads Workshop

4. Where we work

5. Why Psycho-Social Support Main objectives of KI PSS • To help increase awareness of psychological reactions in communities by responding better to the psycho- social needs of vulnerable groups. • To promote the restoration of community network and coping mechanisms. • To help youth cope better and become reconciled to everyday life. • To help prevent distress and suffering from developing into detrimental behaviors and tendencies.

6. Unresolved issues among members before the start of the project • Drug abuse • Relationship issues • Abortion • Heartbreaks • Death • Celebrity Syndrome • Crime • Leadership

7. What has changed among the members • Regained self esteem • Hope • Self-realization • Proper coping mechanism

8. Achievements • Started beads making business • Source of income for members • Unifying factor • Platform for sharing and supporting each other • Weekly reflection meetings every Saturday. • Employment • Majority of the members have been enrolled in National youth service contracts

9. Findings and how we solved the situation There was a major need for PSS. • A higher addiction: Alcohol, Bhang, Cocaine, Heroine, Miraa , Shisha , Thinner, Tab tab, Cigarette, Gum and Jet fuel. Solution: Reduction in drug use among the members of the group. • There was huge information gap. Members are seeking information that lead to some being involved in National youth service jobs. • There was no established support groups. • We have established a support group among the 20 PSS members • High cases of relapse both in drugs and crime due to stigma and lack of support group. • The group members are now being accepted in the society by locals and the provincial administration • The high dependence on drugs, crime and unprotected sex as way to cope with different situations. • Establishment of KI beads work as a counter coping mechanism. • High level of negative peer influence as a way to fit in the status quo. • The group is optimistic and members are role models in the society

10. Examples of the cases • Benson(not real name) was raped at young age, this lead him to loose self esteem and to date his cousin and latter engage in drug abuse. • Benson is now healed and able to share and encourage others in the society • Kelvin –Never went to school since parents never shown any concern, it pains him and he hates his parents for that, • now started adult education, he reconciled with the parents,kevin is now a radio presenter in one of community radio. • Rachel who was in national team, was influenced by coaches to abort so as to participate in all African games since she was a good player. • She is now more focused and plays for a national handball team-Participated in all African games last 2months

11. Examples of the cases continued • Philip was influenced to join crime, was caught almost killed my mob justice, although he has reformed community don’t welcome him as before. • Philip now works a community focal person for Kenya power during installation of the electricity in the Kibera • Mercy hates men they raped her , she was having sex for money tough denies being a prostitute she says she is not a prostitute • Mercy has changed no longer does engages in sex for money. She relies on the jobs in the community and beads work. • Mary married to a drunkard at very young age, have children from different fathers , mother in law hates her, she was Jobless, sometimes attempted committing suicide. • She has changed now works with promotion company in Uchumi supermarkets.

12. Developments • Information availability and access : The group is more informed and participates in community forum including child protection, HIV/Aids session, drug abuse sensitization. • Saving culture. The group developed a saving culture and majority are saving with local Sacco's and K-rep bank.

13. Successes • Occasional sessions on one on one with counselors. • Reduction of drug abuse among the group members. 8 members no longer take drugs,4 have reduced consumption. • Behavior change among the group members witnessed by local administration , community members and fellow peer members • The group was cooperative and they showed some positive change in behavior. • The members are now free to open up without reservation. • Self identification and belief . • Majority taking a leading role in community development projects

14. Challenges • Inadequate capacity to meet a bigger number of participant.-The need is too much than what KI is able to meet . • Introduction of National Youth Service in the community has lead to lack of enough time to meet the KI PSS members. • NYS using sports field as dumping site has made a sports field impossible to use.

15. Recommendations • Establishment of more support groups, reform, and resource centre's, enhancement and upgrading of more public recreational facilities in informal settlement. • Creation of awareness on drug and substance abuse • Developing of mentorship sessions and life skills training. • Establishment of a support network within the urban settlements. (expertise pool). • Empowering youth groups to meet their objectives and assist them not to engage in vices.

16. Thank you www.kiworld.org