Raising Awareness about Substance Abuse and Girls’ Education in Kibera
Location:
Kibra, Kenya
Art Medium:
Mural and Skit
Partner:
Nivishe Foundation
Artist:
Ibrahim Ochieng
The Challenge
In Kibera, Nairobi’s largest informal settlement, girls from the Sauti ya Dada (SYD) Club identified substance abuse as a primary barrier to their education. Through interviews with 39 community members they learned that the wide availability of drugs like alcohol, bang, and khat mean girls start using substances from extremely young ages. Many parents also struggle with substance abuse, making it difficult for them to address addictions among their children. Over the past three years, 30 girls have left the SYD partner school due to drug-related issues.
The Action
In response, the SYD girls created a mural and performed a skit illustrating the impact of substance abuse on girls' education and family life. They presented it to parents, teachers, local leaders, and male peers, creating space for their community to confront a deeply rooted issue. The girls’ performance clearly illustrated how substance abuse impacts their ability to attend school and galvanized support for prioritizing girls’ education.
The Impact
• The SYD girls share that the mural and the skit have had a lasting impact on them, keeping the topic top of mind.
• The principal shared that students and teachers are more aware of substance abuse and early detection of drug use at school. Students are speaking up more about substance abuse, recognize that it impacts their lives, and know how to seek help.
Photo Gallery
