What really is self harm:
Self harm also known as a non suicidal self injury (NSSI),is when a person intentionally harms their body as a way to cope with emotional distress.
Why are young people victims:
Academic pressure
Social media comparison
Relationship struggles
Family conflict
Identity crisis
Trauma’s

When safe emotional spaces are missing , unhealthy coping methods can take root.
Breaking the myths
“People who self harm just want attention” this are words that come out of people’s mouths truth ,self harm can become a cycle tied to emotional regulation. It requires support not shame.
Myth :”Talking about it will make it worse”
Truth :Opens ,safe conversation ,reduce stigma and encourage healing.

How can to support Someone:
Practical tips :
.Listen without judgement
.Avoid saying ‘ just stop’
. Encourage professional help
.Stay consistent and check in

Add Resources ( Very important)
Kenya Red Cross Psychosocial Support.
Befrienders Kenya
National Mental Health Helpline

Ending with hope
Recovery is possible
Relapse do not mean failure
You are not broken
You deserve support
“Scares tell stories, not weakness but survival.”

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Today, my scars are still there, but my life looks very different.

For a long time, I believed self-harm was part of me forever. I couldn’t imagine coping with sadness, anger, or grief without turning to something that would physically reflect the pain I felt inside. When people told me things would get better, I didn’t believe them.

Grief had changed me.

Losing my mother left a silence in my life that nothing seemed able to fill. She had been the one person who checked on me every day, the one person who understood me without explanations. When she passed away, it felt like the ground beneath my feet had disappeared.

For months, I carried that emptiness everywhere.

But healing did not come all at once. It came slowly, in ways I didn’t even notice at first.

Therapy was one of the first steps. At the beginning, I resisted it. I felt like no one could understand the depth of my pain or the bond I had shared with my mother. But session by session, I began to see things differently. Therapy didn’t erase my grief, but it gave me tools to sit with it instead of running from it.

I also began to replace old habits with new ones.

Whenever the urge to self-harm came, I started doing small things to redirect my mind. Sometimes I would go outside for a walk, letting the air clear my thoughts. Other times I would listen to music and allow myself to cry without shame. Reading books and listening to podcasts slowly became part of my routine.

None of these things worked perfectly every time, but together they created a different path for me.

For the first time in years, I began to realize that pain could exist without destroying me.

The journey has not been easy. There are still days when grief returns unexpectedly. There are moments when I miss my mother so deeply that it feels like the loss just happened yesterday. Certain songs, places, or memories can suddenly take me back.

But the difference now is that I no longer respond with self-destruction.

Instead, I allow myself to feel.

I talk about her. I remember the lessons she taught me. I hold on to the love we shared rather than the pain of losing her.

Another thing I have learned over the past two years is that healing is not a straight line. Some days feel strong and hopeful, while others feel heavy and uncertain. But progress is not about never falling; it is about learning how to rise again.

I have also realized that the scars on my body are not something to hide from the world anymore. They are reminders of a younger version of myself who was trying to survive in the only way she knew how.

Those scars tell a story—not just of pain, but of resilience.

Two years later, I am still learning who I am without the weight of self-harm controlling my life. I am discovering healthier ways to process my emotions, and slowly building a life that my younger self could not imagine.

Most importantly, I have learned something I wish I had known earlier:

Pain deserves compassion, not punishment.

If someone reading this is struggling the way I once did, I want you to know that healing is possible even when it feels impossible. You may not see the change immediately and the journey may feel slow, but every step forward matters.

Two years ago, I thought my story would end in darkness.

Today, I am still here.

Still healing.
Still growing.
Still learning how to live.

And sometimes, that is the greatest victory of all.”

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Starting With Ourselves
We began with something simple but surprisingly deep. We were asked to share one thing we’d like to change about ourselves, and three things we love about ourselves.
At first, people laughed nervously. It’s easier to joke than to be honest. But slowly, the room softened. Some talked about overthinking. Others mentioned procrastination, anger, fear of failure. And then came the good parts being resilient, being loyal, being hardworking, being kind.
It felt powerful hearing people speak positively about themselves without downplaying it. For once, no one said, “It’s not a big deal.” We just owned it.

The Hard Conversation
Later, we talked about the ongoing issue of the Russian man who filmed several women without their consent. The conversation was intense. While he is reportedly still free in Russia, Ghana has charged him and made it clear that if he ever steps into Ghana, he’ll face their laws and even risk losing his passport.
That discussion hit differently. We talked about consent, safety, and how unfair it feels when justice looks different depending on where you are. It wasn’t just about one man. It was about women feeling unsafe. It was about accountability. It was about how situations like that affect mental health more than people realize.
You could feel that everyone cared. It wasn’t just noise it was real concern.

Mental Health and Student Leadership
As more students filled the hall, those running for positions on the school board shared their manifestos. Surprisingly, they all said something similar: we are neglecting mental health.
Hearing student leaders openly talk about depression and suicide on campus was sobering. It’s one thing to hear statistics online. It’s another to hear it in a room full of your peers.
It reminded us why the Mental Health Club even exists in the first place.

Games, Laughter, and a Little Chaos
After the serious talks, we needed energy and we got it.
Charades had people acting out the most dramatic scenes. “Kenya at Fifty” turned competitive very fast. Somehow, the group that called themselves Youthing ended up winning and of course they made sure everyone knew it.
Then we played Mafia (the tech version). At first, most of us were confused. Who is lying? Who do you trust? Why is everyone looking suspicious? But in the middle of the chaos, I realized something it’s okay not to understand everything immediately. And sometimes, trusting people you just met isn’t as scary as it seems.

The Balloon Moment
If I had to pick the most meaningful part of the day, it would be the balloons.
We each wrote something we wanted to let go of fear, guilt, pressure, heartbreak, anxiety on a balloon. Then we popped them.
It sounds simple. But when all those balloons started bursting one after the other, it felt symbolic. Like we were choosing, even if just for that moment, not to carry certain weights anymore.

Game Night and Real Bonding
Later that evening, Youthing held a game night with the Embu team. That’s when things became even more real. The official program was over, so everyone relaxed.
There was dancing (some good, some questionable). There was singing loud singing. There was a lot of food. Conversations got deeper. Jokes got sillier. At some point, it didn’t feel like a collaboration anymore. It felt like family.

Rain at G Falls
Sunday morning, we went to G Falls. The place was beautiful, but what made it special was the energy.
The ladies were completely themselves laughing loudly, playing freely, not caring about appearances. The guys just stood there at some point, watching and laughing too. It was wholesome.
Then the rain started pouring.
Instead of running, we stayed. We played in it. We slipped, we screamed, we laughed. It felt like we were kids again.
At one point, the car got stuck in the mud. It looked dramatic for a second. But the guys stepped out immediately and pushed while everyone else cheered and laughed. Mud everywhere. But eventually, the car moved.
Teamwork at its finest.

Going Home
When it was time to say goodbye, it felt too soon. There’s always that quiet moment before everyone leaves when you realize something special happened.
We didn’t just attend an event.
We connected.
We had hard conversations.
We laughed until we were tired.

We stood in the rain.
And somehow, through all of that, our mental health felt a little lighter.
A good time was definitely had. But more than that, something meaningful was built and I don’t think any of us will forget it anytime soon.

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Filmmakers Hangout has grown into a key fixture in Kenya’s creative calendar by providing space for collaboration, skill-sharing, and industry engagement. The introduction of TUFA signals an important step toward recognising new voices in the film sector and opening more opportunities for young filmmakers to showcase their work on a national stage.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

The 2025 edition featured screenings of the top nine shortlisted films selected from 37 submissions received from across Kenya. A professional jury from the Kenya Film Commission evaluated the entries. The live audience also played a role by casting votes in real time through the Filmlytic platform.

The awards ceremony highlighted three outstanding filmmakers who collectively received cash prizes totalling KSh 100,000. The event included creative discussions, networking sessions, industry insights, and entertainment that brought together a vibrant community of storytellers.

A Growing Creative Movement

Organisers reported more than 800 attendees, a number that reflects the expanding interest in local filmmaking and the increasing demand for youth-driven storytelling. Media outlets such as KBC, SPM Buzz, GBS TV, and several digital platforms covered the event and helped expand the visibility of emerging talent.

Championing Kenya’s Next Generation of Storytellers

The introduction of TUFA reflects a wider momentum within Kenya’s creative sector. There irwows an increasing need for platforms that elevate new talent and invest in skills development. Many participants and industry observers noted that supporting emerging filmmakers is essential for sustaining a sector that represents Kenya’s diverse identities, experiences, and narratives.

As Filmmakers Hangout grows, expectations are rising that TUFA will develop into a flagship award for early-stage filmmakers. The initiative is seen as a way to encourage fresh voices, innovative storytelling, and deeper participation in the country’s film ecosystem.

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1. Breaking the Systemic “Educational Strangle
   A powerful recurring theme centered on Women and Inclusion Leadership in Sustainability. The discourse moved far beyond generic calls for “empowerment,” as speakers like Caroline from the Greenbelt Movement highlighted a critical barrier: the educational strangle. This systemic bottleneck often restricts brilliant women from advancing in STEM and energy sectors due to a lack of institutional support rather than a lack of capability.

From Mentorship to Sponsorship
The summit introduced a more aggressive catalyst for change: Sponsorship. While mentorship provides the map, sponsorship provides the key. It involves senior leaders using their social and political capital to open doors that are systemically locked. This approach was championed by trailblazers like Maggie in E-mobility and Nora from Drop Access, proving that when women lead, they prioritize community-centric solutions like solar-powered cold-chain storage—technologies that directly impact “last mile” food security and healthcare.

2. Sustainable Infrastructure and the “Multi-Modal City
   The infrastructure track shifted the focus from massive car-centric projects to the “Multi-model City” concept. The research presented was clear: the future of urban mobility isn’t more highways; it is an integrated ecosystem designed for the human experience.

The Hierarchy of Access
Non-Motorized Systems (NMS): Prioritizing safe walking and cycling paths. In a city where the majority walk to work, NMS is an economic justice choice.
Electric Mass Transit
The discussion on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and electric buses highlighted the “Particle Challenge”—the urgent need to reduce PM2.5 emissions in urban centers.
The Charging Infrastructure Layout
As seen in recent pilot projects, the layout of charging stations must be data-driven. Using IoT (Internet of Things) and Big Data, planners can predict “peak-load” times to ensure the grid remains stable while fueling the e-mobility revolution.

3. The AI-Driven “Nervous System” of the Grid
   In 2026, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from a luxury to a necessity, acting as the nervous system of Kenya’s modern grid. Predictive Maintenance has become a primary feature, utilizing sensors to detect potential transformer failures weeks before they occur, which has already reduced outages by an estimated 30%.
   Furthermore, the rise of Decentralized Microgrids allows rural communities to trade excess solar power via blockchain-enabled platforms, fostering local energy independence. The use of Digital Twins, virtual models of city infrastructure now allows planners to simulate climate impacts like extreme heat or flooding before breaking ground. However, this digital leap comes with a mandate for robust Data Protection. As energy systems become increasingly connected, the summit emphasized that privacy and cyber-resilience are the non-negotiable foundations of a smart city.
   
4. Circularity: The “Solar-preneur” and Battery Upcycling
   If there was a “rockstar” concept at the Sarit Centre, it was Circularity. We have moved past the “take-make-waste” model toward resource sovereignty. The summit showcased a brilliant ecosystem model: Empowering Africa’s ‘Solar-preneurs’ through Battery Upcycling.

The Upcycling Process :
Thousands of lithium batteries from solar home systems and EVs reach their “automotive end-of-life” while still retaining 70-80% capacity. Community-led labs take these units and upcycle them into high-quality, affordable power banks. This reduces toxic e-waste and provides clean energy at a cost 40% lower than new units. This model turns waste into a localized economic engine, led primarily by youth and women in the informal sector.

5. Financing the Green Transition: The “Chama” Evolution
   Innovation requires capital, and the summit addressed the Climate Finance gap by looking at indigenous solutions like Table Banking (Chamas). The proposal to “skill-ize” these traditional groups involves providing technical training so they can vet and invest in green projects. By doing so, a village Chama becomes a micro-venture capital firm for local solar-irrigation or waste-management ventures. This “Idea Clarity Clinic” approach ensures that projects are built on two pillars: Governance (transparent management) and Stewardship (long-term resource oversight).

6.Climate Resilient Architecture: The “Eco-Village”
Walking through the architectural exhibition, the focus was on the “Passive Design” of buildings. Whether in the planned Konza Technopolis or rural heritage zones, the buildings of 2026 are being designed to breathe.
Thermal Massing: Using materials that absorb heat during the day and release it at night.
Greywater Recycling: Integrated systems that treat and reuse water for urban farming and landscaping.
Natural Ventilation: Moving back to “heritage wisdom” with high ceilings and open corridors to ensure airflow in a warming climate.

7. The Climate Hackathon: Youth at the Helm
   The basement of the Sarit Centre was home to the Climate Hackathon, a high-intensity bridge between academia and industry. The winning team developed an app using Open Data and APIs to map real-time soil moisture, allowing smallholder farmers to save 50% more water through precision irrigation. Crucially, these teams included Law and Policy students to ensure that every technical solution was compliant with the Kenya Data Protection Act, proving that innovation must be legally sound to be sustainable.
   
   Conclusion: The Roadmap to 2030
   As the curtains fall on the 2nd International Energy and Sustainability Summit 2026, the legacy is clear. Africa is not a “blank slate” for foreign technology; it is a global laboratory for Inclusive Innovation.

The summit taught us that sustainability is a three-legged stool: it requires technical ingenuity (Innovation), a seat for everyone at the table (Inclusion), and a focus on the most vulnerable (Justice). From the battery-upcyclers to the AI architects, the message from Nairobi is this: The green transition is not a burden to be borne; it is the greatest economic opportunity of our century. We leave the Sarit Centre with a blueprint for a “Pretty Planet” built on the foundation of “Funkie Science.”

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In a country that has taken the lead in the use of AI across the world, journalists have not been left behind. Kenya’s young reporters are now stepping into a new wave of digital storytelling through a structured training programme designed to help them understand and use modern tools in their daily work. 

The initiative, led by IAWRT–Kenya with support from APC, Google and the Kenya Correspondents Association, is giving youth journalists the practical skills they need to thrive in a media landscape that is changing faster than ever.

Since its launch in August, the sessions have unfolded month by month, each one deliberately crafted to deepen the participants’ understanding of how technology is reshaping the craft of reporting. The first session introduced the cohort to the emerging space where journalism meets artificial intelligence. 

What could have been a technical conversation instead became a practical exploration of how prompts, machine learning and automated checks are already making way into global newsroom routines. The young reporters left with a clearer sense that AI is not replacing human judgment, but it is expanding what journalists can do.

This opened the room to a deeper attention to the heart of every strong story: research. Through NotebookLM, participants experienced a new way of handling interviews, transcripts and dense reports. 

Instead of being overwhelmed by scattered notes and long recordings, they watched their materials transform into neatly organised summaries, insightful highlights and structured themes in a matter of moments. 

For many, it was the first time seeing a research process that keeps pace with the urgency of modern storytelling.

Following NotebookLM was Google Pinpoint, a tool that opened an entirely new dimension of reporting. Young journalists worked with archives, scanned documents, voice files and large collections of materials that would traditionally take days to sort through. Pinpoint revealed patterns, keywords and connections with ease, showing the cohort what evidence-based journalism looks like when supported by the right technology. 

The programme is still unfolding. The coming months will introduce the cohort to new forms of multimedia storytelling, ethical considerations around AI, and the growing role of digital tools in shaping newsroom culture. What stands out most is not just the tools themselves, but the shift in mindset: young Kenyan journalists are beginning to see technology as part of their creative process, not as an obstacle.

The training is preparing a future media workforce that is sharper, faster and more capable of navigating the complexities of the digital age. And as these young reporters continue their journey, one thing is increasingly clear, Kenya’s next era of storytelling will be led by a generation that understands both the power of technology and the responsibility of the newsroom.

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What began as a small youth-led initiative has grown into a national movement working to elevate the dignity, safety, and well-being of children living with their incarcerated mothers in Kenya’s women’s prisons. These children, collectively referred to as CoIP—Children of Incarcerated Parents, are among the most invisible and unprotected groups in the justice system

FreedomWithinKE focuses on children under the age of four who are legally allowed to live in prison with their mothers, while also advocating for children left behind in the community – many of whom face neglect, stigma, disrupted education, and long-term emotional harm. The organization champions a basic truth that guides all its work: Dignity is a right, not a privilege even behind bars.

A Visit That Shifted Perspectives

During a recent visit to Murang’a Women’s Prison, it became clear that while systemic challenges persist, there exists a deep willingness among the staff and officers to engage with partners who value dignity and humane care. Their openness allowed volunteers to see the day-to-day realities of incarceration, particularly for mothers caring for infants in extremely constrained environments.

Partnerships Rooted in Youth Leadership

FreedomWithinKE was founded by young people and intentionally partners with youth-led organizations to nurture future servant leaders who understand justice, compassion, and community responsibility.

Key partners include;

• Rotaract Club of Murang’a University
• Kenya Red Cross – Murang’a Youth
• Embu Rotaract Youth
• Red Cross Youth in Embu
• Tipwa Tipwa (a wellness-focused youth group)
• The broader Rotary and Rotaract community across Kenya

These partnerships demonstrate that young people are not just observers — they are active contributors in rehabilitation, advocacy, and community care. As FreedomWithinKE puts it,“Leadership is not a title — it is the courage to show up where humanity needs you most.”

Material Support: A Practical Expression of Dignity

During the Murang’a outreach, FreedomWithinKE and its partners donated:

• Diapers
• Baby clothes
• Hygiene products
• Food items
• Towels
• Sanitary pads
• Toiletries

These items address immediate needs, but more importantly, they affirm dignity a core value for both mother and child. A clean towel, a fresh diaper, or nutritious food communicates a powerful message, “You matter. Your child matters.”

Long-Term Infrastructure for Dignity: The Embu Mother & Child Unit

One of FreedomWithinKE’s most transformative projects is underway in Embu. They are crdating Kenya’s first-ever dedicated Mother and Child Accommodation Unit inside a correctional facility.

In partnership with the Triad Foundation and Triad Architects, this pioneering initiative aims to provide:

• Modern, child-friendly sleeping quarters
• A safe day-care and play area
• Sanitation and laundry facilities
• Lactation and nutrition support spaces
• Clean, dignified living conditions for infants and mothers

This unit represents a historic step toward humanizing Kenya’s correctional environment and FreedomWithinKE is still actively fundraising to bring the project to completion.

Why This Work Matters: Policy, Rights, and Justice

FreedomWithinKE’s mission aligns with both Kenyan and international frameworks that protect women and children affected by incarceration:

• Kenya’s 2022 Childcare Policy for Children of Incarcerated Parents
• UN Bangkok Rules on the treatment of women prisoners
• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
• Nelson Mandela Rules on dignity in detention

For a powerful insight into the origins of this movement, readers are encouraged to watch Shakinar Mutulili’s TEDx Talk:

“The Spirit of Social Justice”

At the time she delivered this talk, the 2022 Childcare Policy did not yet exist underscoring the leadership role young Kenyans have played in shaping national conversations on dignity and justice.

Beyond the Prison Walls: A Call to Action

Supporting mothers in prison is not charity. It is justice, dignity, and nation-building.

FreedomWithinKE envisions a future where:

• Every mother leaving prison receives emotional support and a care package
• Children of incarcerated parents are protected, not forgotten
• Youth groups continue to step into spaces that society avoids
• Policy reform is grounded in humanity, data, and lived experience
• Kenyan prisons become environments where rehabilitation, not suffering, defines the system

As the organization boldly states, “When we restore dignity to a mother, we restore hope to a child  and hope is the beginning of transformation.”

Get Involved

You can support this mission through:

1. Donations (especially towards the Embu Mother & Child Unit)
2. Volunteering
3. Youth group partnerships
4. Sharing stories, raising awareness, and watching the TEDx Talk
5. Following their work on Instagram: @freedomwithinke

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I’m a volunteer at YMCA Central Branch, and this year, I was called to help host visitors from Hong Kong and Taiwan. For a boy whose only images of Hong Kong were Jackie Chan stunts and Donnie Yen kicks on screen, this was something else. Suddenly, the screen became real life — young people stepping off a plane, not in a movie fight scene, but in Nairobi.

The Arrival – Hong Kong Team (24th – 30th July 2025)

Their flight kissed Kenyan soil at 17:15 hours. Out walked faces full of curiosity — young, handsome, beautiful human beings carrying with them a world unknown to me.

The next day, introductions flowed. They spoke; we spoke. Between names and laughter, worlds collided. I gave one of my new friends an African name: Kimani. Now somewhere in the neon-lit streets of Hong Kong, there’s a “Kimani” strolling around. In return, they gave me a Chinese name that twisted my tongue like chapati dough. Hehehe.

We sat in workshops on polygamy, GBV, human rights, and social justice. Heavy topics, yes, but spoken in ways that felt like seeds planted in all of us.

We explored the National Museum of Kenya, wandered the bustling city, and stepped into Kibera. There, at YMCA Kibera Primary School, our visitors played with children, taught them culture, danced, and laughed. The kids beamed — proof that joy is a universal language.

We also visited Muthua Uthiru Women’s Organization, listening to the stories of women in informal settlements — their resilience, their daily battles. At Maasai Mara, we camped, ate together, swapped languages under starlit skies. In those moments, the world felt small, like a circle of friends.

And then, as all good things do, it ended. On 30th July 2025 at 4:35 pm, they boarded their flight back home. Kenya was quieter that night.

 A New Chapter – Taiwan Team (5th – 10th August 2025)

Before the scent of jet fuel had faded, another team was announced: Taiwan.

They came, seventeen strong, stepping into YMCA Central Branch with fresh smiles and open hearts. Our first meeting was in the boardroom. After greetings, breakfast, and laughter, we dove into culture.

We taught them Kiswahili: not just the touristy Jambo, but the poetry of our daily lives. Habari ya asubuhi. Niaje? Poa sanaa. They picked it up fast, rolling words on their tongues like new flavors. They even knew some Sheng thanks to AI — and you know what, they were naturals.

From there, it was games, bonding, and lessons that made strangers into siblings.

 Learning Together

We took them to YMCA Kibera Primary School. Although schools were on break, the children and teachers gathered, their eyes wide with excitement.

We taught geography — continents stretching across the world like patchwork quilts. They taught us about Taiwan, smaller than Nairobi and Kiambu combined, yet pulsing with energy, an Asian economic giant.

Lessons turned into laughter. From menstrual hygiene to yellow fever awareness, from making reusable sanitary towels to dancing with candy rewards — education became play, and play became memory.

 At KYCAT – Farming Lessons

On the last day, we traveled to KYCAT Agricultural College. The cold air greeted us first, then warm smiles. What we thought would be theory turned into muddy, hands-on life.

We visited zero-grazing sheds, cleaned pigsties, and drank milk fresh from cows — milk that tasted like nature’s hug. We learned about smart farming, uprooted weeds by hand, and walked through tea plantations. Work, sweat, laughter — all blended into something unforgettable.

 The Heart of It All

The Taiwan team surprised us with personalized appreciation cards. Small papers, but heavy with love. It felt unfair — how do you give back to people who’ve already given you so much?

By day three, the bond was tight. They treated us like family. We ate, played, and laughed like long-lost cousins. They asked, “Will you join us at the museum? The park? Maasai Mara?” My heart screamed yes, though time and roles whispered no.

 Reflections & Farewell

From Hong Kong to Taiwan, from Kibera to Maasai Mara — these exchanges were more than programs. They were bridges. Bridges of song, of food, of laughter, of learning.

From ignorance to insight, from strangers to siblings — I stand proud to say: we built a family without borders.

謝謝你 (xièxiè nǐ) to our Taiwan family. You didn’t just visit Kenya — you left footprints on our soil, and pieces of your heart with us.

And to our Hong Kong friends — Kimani is waiting when you return.

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We began with the Meet and Greet Hangout, a relaxed but purposeful gathering where students and young professionals were able to connect with each other. It was a chance for new faces to meet familiar ones, for ideas to be exchanged, and for friendships to be formed. The hangout set the tone for the month, reminding us that community is the foundation upon which we build everything else.

The Filmmakers Hangout – Fifth Edition followed, offering an engaging space for storytellers, directors, and film enthusiasts to share their journeys and reflect on the growth of the creative industry. This fifth edition highlighted not only the passion but also the persistence of young creatives committed to telling African stories through film. Every conversation reinforced the importance of art as a driver of culture and a mirror of society.

Another unique gathering was the Substack Writers’ Meetup, where writers from across the platform came together to share ideas and experiences. The event created an intimate space for creativity and collaboration, as participants discussed both the opportunities and challenges of digital writing. It became clear that platforms like Substack are providing a new stage for African writers to be heard and celebrated.

One of the standout events of the month was the GameNight, which brought together close to 100 young people. The evening was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and interactive activities, showing that fun and learning can indeed go hand in hand. Beyond the games, the night was about building bonds, creating networks, and establishing a culture of youth-led engagement that is both enjoyable and impactful.

We also partnered with YMCA to host an Inter-University Dialogue, where students engaged in thought-provoking discussions around leadership, financial literacy, and mental wellness. These are the issues shaping the leaders of tomorrow, and it was encouraging to see young people approach them with such seriousness and determination. The dialogue provided not just knowledge but also the confidence that students need to take charge of their personal and professional growth.

Our Murang’a University Campus Ambassador Meet and Greet was another important milestone. Ambassadors play a critical role in bringing Youthing Africa closer to students on campus, and this meeting allowed them to align their strategies, strengthen their sense of community, and prepare to carry the vision of Youthing into the heart of their institutions. It reaffirmed the importance of student leadership in driving our collective goals.

Finally, September saw the launch of FinLit 001, the first in our financial literacy series designed to make money matters more understandable and accessible for young people. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, participants began a journey toward financial empowerment, one that will equip them with essential life skills for years to come.

September was truly a month of growth, creativity, and impact for Youthing Africa. Each event played its part in shaping the community we are building and in strengthening the vision of empowered, informed, and united African youth. As we move forward, we remain committed to amplifying youth voices, nurturing talent, and creating opportunities that allow young people to thrive. The best is yet to come, and we look forward to the next chapter together.

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The gathering brought together students from across the city to reflect on the critical issues shaping their futures with dialogues on three key pillars of student development: mental wellness, financial literacy, and leadership.

In his opening remarks, Chris King’ori, YMCA Central Branch Programs Manager, emphasized the importance of creating spaces that nurture the whole person, not just academic achievement.

“University life is not only about books and exams. It is about preparing for the realities of life, and that requires conversations on wellbeing, financial discipline, and healthy relationships. At YMCA, we are proud to provide a platform where students can feel heard and supported.”

His words set the tone for a day that encouraged participants to step outside classroom routines and engage deeply with issues that shape their futures.

The dialogue, in broad, opened the floor to candid discussions on mental health, recognizing that stress, anxiety, and burnout are growing concerns for young people navigating university life. Students were encouraged to normalize conversations about mental health and to embrace practices that foster resilience, balance, and self care.

Students discussed and shared their thoughts on improving wellness while at school. This was particularly important as balancing school work and general life can be quite overwhelming sometimes.

Another highlight of the dialogue was the financial literacy sessions, which emphasized the importance of managing money wisely, even as a student who doesn’t have a stream of income yet. Topics included budgeting, saving, and cultivating smart financial habits early on.

For many participants, the lessons offered a new perspective on financial independence. As one student reflected:

“The dialogue made me realize that wellness goes beyond academics. It’s about balance—taking care of your mind, your relationships, and your finances. I left feeling more prepared for life after university.”

By framing financial management as a vital life skill, the sessions gave students tools they could immediately apply, setting the foundation for long-term security and success.”

Leadership was a recurring theme throughout the dialogue. Students were challenged to see themselves not only as learners but also as emerging leaders who can shape the direction of their communities. Through interactive discussions, they reflected on the qualities of effective leadership and how these can be practiced in daily life.

At the heart of the event was a panel discussion featuring experts and youth leaders who shared insights on how wellness, finances, and leadership intersect in shaping the student journey. Panelists unpacked real-life challenges, from navigating academic stress and financial constraints to cultivating leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom.

The panel encouraged students to view wellness not as an individual pursuit but as a collective responsibility, while also reinforcing the need for financial preparedness and visionary leadership. Students were able to ask questions, share personal experiences, and engage directly with the speakers, making the session both practical and inspiring.

The event’s ice breaking sessions reinforced this message, connecting students from different universities and encouraging them to build supportive networks that extend beyond their campuses. These exchanges showed the importance of collaboration and peer mentorship as essential components of leadership development.

While the day was filled with serious conversations, it also included entertainment and interactive activities, adding joy and energy to the program. The balance depicted the holistic nature of wellness—embracing mind, body, and community.

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