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Breaking Stereotypes: Zaahida’s Journey to Empower Youth in Mombasa

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In the vibrant city of Mombasa, a young social worker is leading a transformative movement to reshape perceptions, unlock potential, and address some of Kenya’s most pressing challenges facing its youth. “I am Zaahida Mohamed Slim, a 25-year-old social worker from Mombasa, Kenya,” she introduces herself with quiet determination. Her journey has been profoundly inspired by her late father, Mohamed Slim, whose unwavering compassion has become a beacon of hope for a generation seeking purpose.

Zaahida’s story is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of grassroots empowerment. “I started working at 19, back in 2018,” she recalls. “I supported the elderly, people living with disabilities, and orphans. This was an eye-opening experience that gave me immense fulfillment and helped me realize I had found my career path. From that point, I made it my goal to pursue opportunities that align with my passion for helping others.” Those formative years crystallized her purpose, setting the stage for a career rooted in service. Now, as a social worker with the County Government of Mombasa’s Department of Youth, Gender, Sports, and Social Services, she tirelessly advocates for marginalized communities.

Beyond the 9-to-5: Mentorship and Empowerment

In 2023, Zaahida began a new chapter by joining a community-based organization to mentor high school students in Mombasa. “The mentorship program brought together professionals to address challenges like substance abuse, gender-based violence, and mental health,” she says. Her desire for a broader, more transformative platform led her to connect with Coach Fatima whom she shared the idea with. She then launched Mombasa Jitambue, a youth empowerment initiative that, in her words, “has impacted the lives of over 50 young people so far.” Several participants have turned their talents, such as baking and artistry, into income sources after receiving training and entrepreneurial guidance.

Breaking Stereotypes, Building Dreams

Mombasa Jitambue was born out of frustration with a persistent stereotype often perpetuated on social media and in workplaces: that coastal people are lazy. “Spending time with my peers and witnessing their incredible talents, energy, and vibrancy made me realize how untrue that narrative is,” Zaahida asserts. The problem, she identified, wasn’t a lack of talent but the absence of platforms to showcase it.

Through Mombasa Jitambue, Zaahida and her team aim to “Inspire the youth to maximize their potential and instill in them a sense of self-worth and purpose.” Central to their mission is addressing youth unemployment in Kenya by equipping young people with practical skills and bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.

A Blueprint for Impact

At the core of Mombasa Jitambue’s success are several thoughtfully designed programs:

  1. Experiential Learning Workshops
    “We bring in successful entrepreneurs and local leaders to share their journeys,” says Zaahida. These workshops combine hands-on activities with real-world scenarios, giving participants a taste of leadership and problem-solving.
  2. Talent Monetization Programs
    Recognizing the economic potential of youth talents, the initiative teaches participants how to turn their skills into sustainable income sources. “Whether it’s photography, design, or writing, we emphasize self-sustainability,” she explains.
  3. Collaboration with Experts and Mentors
    By partnering with professionals from diverse fields, including governance, finance, and creative arts, the initiative provides relatable role models who inspire young people to pursue meaningful careers and community initiatives.
  4. Youth-Led Initiatives
    Zaahida encourages young people to identify community gaps and propose solutions. “These activities reinforce the idea that they can be the change-makers their communities need,” she notes.
  5. Inclusive Governance Forums
    Through civic education and dialogues with local leaders, Mombasa Jitambue makes governance relatable and accessible.

These initiatives have shifted participants’ mindsets, helping them see leadership as achievable and essential for driving change. By linking entrepreneurship, governance, and community well-being, Mombasa Jitambue empowers youth to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact.

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience

Despite its successes, the journey has not been without challenges. “Not everyone will believe in your vision until they see results. It can be discouraging at times,” Zaahida admits. The free nature of their services has also led to undervaluation. Nevertheless, she remains undeterred. “As long as your ‘why’ is clear, you’ll keep pushing forward.”

Visibility is another challenge. “We don’t yet have access to a professional photographer or videographer, which has limited the quality of our content,” she shares. Yet, recognition from platforms like this highlights their growing impact.

Empowering Through Stories and Resilience

Zaahida’s experience as a social worker has profoundly shaped Mombasa Jitambue’s ethos. Her experience, particularly in supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), deeply influences the programs at Mombasa Jitambue. The organization focuses on addressing inequalities and promoting resilience among youth by creating safe spaces for dialogue, incorporating trauma-informed practices, and advocating for gender equality.

Through mentorship, they build leadership skills and emotional resilience, encouraging young people to become advocates for change. By collaborating with experts and organizations, Mombasa Jitambue offers a holistic approach to tackling systemic challenges, empowering youth to overcome adversity and unlock their full potential.

“We hold open forums where young people can share their struggles without fear of judgment,” she explains. These trauma-informed practices prioritize empathy and emotional safety, empowering participants to overcome systemic challenges.

A standout success story is that of a young poet who lacked confidence but found her voice through Mombasa Jitambue. “She now performs at local events, inspiring others while earning recognition,” Zaahida proudly shares.

They are also currently working toward publishing Echoes of Experience a book that features inspiring stories and creative works by youths, showcasing their talents and resilience. This initiative not only amplifies the participants’ voices but also serves as a motivational tool for other young people in the community.

Mombasa Jitambue offers a range of programs aimed at empowering youth, including mentorship sessions focused on self-discovery, resilience, leadership, and goal-setting, with guidance from professionals in areas like public speaking, graphic design, photography, and the arts. Community workshops, such as “Discover Your Passion” led by Coach Aella, promote personal development and emotional well-being. Through collaborations with local and international partners, they provide resources and networking opportunities, while aligning their initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Vision for Tomorrow

Looking ahead, Mombasa Jitambue plans to expand across Kenya, empowering more youth through mentorship programs, partnerships, and virtual initiatives. “Our long-term goal includes setting up resource hubs in collaboration with partners and cultivating a national network for youth development,” Zaahida reveals.

As she reflects on her journey, Zaahida remains steadfast in her mission. “Every step of my journey has been about making a difference,” she says. Through Mombasa Jitambue, she is not only redefining narratives but also equipping Kenya’s youth to lead with purpose, resilience, and an unwavering belief in their potential.

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