HKSAI Engages Ushirika and New Horizons Secondary Schools
A Shared Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Adolescents growing up in informal settlements often face unique pressures: academic stress, peer influence, and limited access to accurate, age-appropriate information on health and wellbeing.
As part of our ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community engagement, Hope for Kenya Slum Adolescent Initiative (HKSAI) continued its mentorship program this past week with impactful sessions at Ushirika Secondary School and New Horizons Secondary School, reaching learners with practical guidance on mental health, stress management, and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).
Opening Up Conversations at Ushirika School
At Ushirika Secondary School, HKSAI held an interactive session centered on mental health, with particular attention paid to the boy child. Learners were encouraged to embrace openness, to talk to someone rather than carry burdens in silence, and to understand that it is okay not to be okay. Mentors emphasized that boys, in particular, do not have to always "stay strong" or mask their struggles behind a brave face.
The session also equipped learners with practical tools for navigating stress, including speaking to a trusted mentor or teacher, taking a walk, engaging in activities that bring them joy, and practicing deep breathing. The learners responded with enthusiasm, actively participating and asking thoughtful questions throughout the discussion.
Building on Mental Health and SRHR at New Horizons Secondary School
At New Horizons Secondary School, the mentorship session focused on stress coping mechanisms and causes of stress, alongside an introductory discussion on SRHR. HKSAI guided learners through healthy relationship dynamics with parents and companions alike while unpacking the importance of communication, boundaries, and respect. A key message resonated strongly with the students: a "No" or a "Yes" is a complete statement, and no one should be made to feel guilty for asserting their stand.
Learners at New Horizons were highly engaged, attentive, and responsive, posing questions that reflected genuine interest in understanding these topics more deeply. HKSAI is set to return to the school to continue building on these conversations, reinforcing the importance of consistent, trusted engagement with young people.
Empowering Adolescents With the Right Information
Both sessions reflect HKSAI's broader mission of empowering teenagers and adolescents in informal settlements with accurate, life-relevant information that enables them to make informed, life-changing choices. By addressing mental health, stress management, and SRHR in a safe and supportive environment, HKSAI continues to bridge critical information gaps that many young people face, gaps that, left unaddressed, can significantly affect their wellbeing and life trajectories.
Call to Action: Be the Difference in a Young Person's Life
Every conversation we start, every learner we mentor, and every school we reach is a step toward building healthier, safer, and more resilient communities. Yet thousands of adolescents living in Kenya's informal settlements continue to face barriers to accurate information, mental health support, and opportunities to realize their full potential.
You can help change that.
By partnering with Hope for Kenya Slum Adolescents Initiative, volunteering your time, supporting our mentorship programmes, or making a donation, you become part of a movement dedicated to empowering young people with the knowledge, confidence, and life skills they need to thrive.
Together, we can ensure that every adolescent has access to trusted mentorship, quality health education, and a supportive environment where they are heard, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Sign up for our newsletter to get updates every time.
