In a nation often grappling with complex socio-economic challenges, the unwavering dedication of organizations like Giving Light Society Foundation stands as a beacon of hope. This non-profit is making tangible strides in championing the rights and well-being of both the boy and girl child in Kenya, recently demonstrating its profound impact through a series of transformative visits to schools in Kibwezi East, Makueni County.
Over the recent weekend, the Giving Light Society team, led by its passionate founder and director, Vyonne Mukui, embarked on a mission to Iiani Boys and Iiani Girls and Junior Secondary School. These visits underscore the organization's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals and fostering sustainable community development.
Mentorship and Sustainability: Empowering the Boy Child at Iiani Boys
At Iiani Boys, the session was thoughtfully designed around mentorship and environmental sustainability. The team facilitated dynamic peer-to-peer discussions that delved into crucial topics such as academic excellence, making positive life choices, and the pervasive dangers of drug abuse. These open conversations allowed the students to articulate their aspirations and challenges freely, revealing the urgent need for consistent youth engagement. For the Form 4 students, in particular, the pressing question of "what next after high school" resonated deeply, highlighting the critical juncture they face.
Crowning the impactful day was a symbolic act of hope and long-term commitment: tree planting within the school compound. These trees, generously donated by Lukenya University, were not merely saplings in the ground; they represent growth, a dedication to environmental conservation, and a shared vision for a greener future for Kenya. It was a powerful reminder that even small, collective actions can sow seeds for lasting positive change.
Dignity, Dreams, and Dreams Without Limits: Supporting Girls at Iiani Schools
The focus shifted to empowering young girls during the visit to Iiani Girls and Junior Secondary School. The session centered on crucial aspects of menstrual health education, conducted through open and supportive conversations. A key highlight was the donation of sanitary pads, generously provided by Dr. DAMARIS Maweu, a vital step towards promoting dignity and ensuring that no girl misses valuable class time due to lack of menstrual hygiene products.
The team also facilitated empowering peer-to-peer sessions, encouraging girls to build strong support networks among themselves. Beyond menstrual health, the message was clear: staying focused on academics is paramount, and girls should be encouraged to build their dreams without limits. This initiative directly addresses barriers to girl child education, reinforcing the belief that every pad, every word of encouragement, and every shared story is a step towards keeping girls in school and securing brighter futures.
Giving Light Society: A Holistic Vision for Community Empowerment
The recent visits to Makueni are a vivid illustration of Giving Light Society's comprehensive approach to community development, guided by four core programs:
- Mental Health Program: Spearheaded by six dedicated and trained mentors, this program provides vital emotional and psychological support. It tackles critical issues such as teenage motherhood, postpartum depression, and the early onset of emotional distress in children, often stemming from gender-based violence (GBV) and trauma. Through weekly meetings and webinars, the team diligently plans projects to address these pressing needs, though the organization's reach is currently constrained by the need for more trained mentors.
- Kairetu Program (Girl Child Education): Named after the Kikuyu word for "girl," this flagship program champions menstrual health and education as a crucial component of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Having reached over 10,000 girls in densely populated areas like Kibera, Kasarani, Meru, and Makueni, it provides essential resources and mentorship, breaking down significant barriers to education. A strategic partnership with Uhuru International enabled the distribution of reusable sanitary pads in drought-prone Makueni, promoting sustainable health practices.
- Skills Development and Economic Empowerment: Recognizing the intrinsic link between skills and economic independence, Giving Light Society actively equips women and girls with practical skills such as beading, crocheting, and baking. The organization goes beyond training by providing raw materials and connecting beneficiaries with financial literacy experts. Through partnerships with the finance industry, trainees receive guidance on saving, investing, and accessing credit, empowering them to break cycles of poverty and foster entrepreneurship.
- Mother Heart Program: This innovative program connects health with environmental consciousness. Its "Eco-Mind" sub-program promotes mental well-being through nature walks and community cleanups. Furthermore, a nascent waste management initiative aims to provide litter bins to schools and rescue centers, fostering sustainable practices. However, the expansion of these vital environmental efforts, like other programs, is significantly limited by funding constraints.
Giving Light Society, through the unwavering dedication of Vyonne Mukui and its members, is actively transforming lives and communities. Their recent visits to Makueni stand as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in fostering education, health, and a sustainable future for Kenya's youth. Their work reminds us that genuine change begins with a light in the community, nurtured by collective effort and unwavering commitment.
