BUILDING EMPATHY AND SAFE SPACES

Article written by: Bruce Ochieng On 25th September, the mentorship workshop was more than just an event! It was a powerful step forward in the fight against hate, bullying, and discrimination within our communities. Organized under the banner of Project Hope Kwa Vijana II, the workshop aimed at building empathy and creating safe spaces for young people. The event was hosted at Jimlizer Hotel, Buruburu, Nairobi County, and brought together vibrant youth from Mukuru Kwa Njenga and Kariobangi North. Gracing the occasion were celebrated media personalities Lofty Matambo and Presenter Kai, alongside renowned youth mentor Kanja Mungai, with Vision Changers Kenya at the helm. The day began with energy and warmth as Vision Changers set up the venue from early morning. The first session was led by Mr. Kanja Mungai, who not only broke the ice with exciting activities but also used the games to model lessons on empathy, teamwork, and mutual respect. Through his mentorship, the youth reflected on the importance of understanding each other’s experiences, valuing diversity, and standing together against negative social behaviors. It was a timely reminder that building safe spaces begins with how we treat those around us. After a short tea break, the second session took off with unmatched inspiration from Mr. Lofty Matambo and Presenter Kai. With charisma and deep insight, they tackled essential issues around ethical journalism and responsible content creation. They emphasized that what we share online has long-term implications, not only for professional opportunities but also for the kind of society we shape. They reminded participants that maintaining respectful online spaces is central to ending hate and bullying, echoing the core message of Project Hope Kwa Vijana II. The mentors also offered practical steps for handling cyberbullying and highlighted the role of young people in using social media to foster unity rather than division.Toward the end of the day, the mentors held an open consultation session where participants received personalized guidance on navigating the media industry and growing content creation platforms responsibly. The workshop culminated in a resounding call-to-action: “TAKE A STAND AGAINST CYBERBULLYING AND MAINTAIN SAFE SPACES ACROSS ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS!” Youth participants personally affirmed this pledge, and it was video-documented to amplify the message beyond the room. One key lesson from the workshop is that empathy and accountability must start with individuals: from how we treat each other in person to how we interact online. To truly end hate and discrimination, more initiatives like these are needed to equip young people with practical tools for creating safe, respectful spaces both offline and online. This mentorship program was not just fun and engaging, it was a reminder of the role each of us must play in creating inclusive, empathetic, and safe communities.Vision Changers Kenya, through Project Hope Kwa Vijana II, continues to champion these values, ensuring that the fight against hate and discrimination is met with resilience, unity, and hope. 

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