Brian Ongoro

Stigma often builds walls, isolating young individuals who seek a second chance. The First Okiri Festival, themed “Walking in Their Shoes,” set out to break down these walls by fostering understanding, inclusion, and support for the youth at Kisumu Children’s Remand Home. This festival was a journey into the realities these young people face and a celebration of their resilience and potential. Upon arrival, guests were handed a case; an example of offenses that have led some of the young individuals to the remand home. This small but powerful exercise encouraged attendees to reflect on the circumstances that shape these young lives. Guided by one of the youth, guests then toured the facility, gaining firsthand insight into the daily lives of the children and the efforts being made toward rehabilitation and reintegration. Following the tour, guests participated in a mock court session, experiencing what these young individuals go through when they stand before a judge. The intensity of the moment was evident, as many found themselves overwhelmed by the pressure of the setting. I was tense. I have never been to court and as much as it was a model, I got tense and did not know how to go through that. But it was a good experience Hillary Omondi – Participant Rosemary Opiyo, a psychologist, reflected on the experience, saying, “For a child, this can be a life altering moment; one they will never forget. I could see how tense people became, and even if you are innocent, the pressure could easily lead you to admit to something you didn’t do. It made me wonder about the mental impact on these children, having to go through such an intense process.“ The experience highlighted the emotional and psychological weight of the justice system on young individuals and sparked conversations about the need for a more rehabilitative approach. The Power of Expression The festival was also a celebration of talent and creativity. Through performing arts, the youth shared their stories and dreams. The skit depicted a boy caught between difficult life choices. In his dream, he found himself in a situation where he had impregnated a girl but refused to take responsibility. At the same time, he was part of a gang that terrorized community members through robbery. His actions eventually caught up with him, as he and his gang were shot dead by police. Just as he faced the fatal consequences, he was jolted awake by a prison warden, bringing him back to reality. The skit left the audience in deep thought, highlighting the harsh realities of crime, responsibility, and the consequences of choices made at a young age. To end the day on a joyful and uplifting note, a football match was organized between the children from the remand home and Nyalenda Young Stars. The energy on the field was electric, with both teams giving their all. The First Okiri Festival was a reminder that transformation happens when communities come together with open hearts and minds. The journey of reintegration does not end here, it continues in every conversation, every opportunity, and every act of acceptance. Because these young people deserve to be seen beyond their pasts. Because their future is worth investing in. A special thank you to our partners Better Me Kenya, The Rotaract Club of Kisumu Winam, Rise To Shine Education Foundation, Sapphire, and Homeless of Kisumu for making this day possible.

Every young person at Kisumu Children’s Remand Home carries a past filled with moments that shaped them; stories of struggle, resilience, and the hope for a second chance. But too often, these stories remain unheard, buried under stigma and misunderstanding. In our latest session, we took a pre-written script, based on real life experiences of some of the children, and brought it to life through performing arts. This was a chance to use art as a mirror, a bridge, and a voice for change. As we gathered in the hall, there was a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Some eagerly read through the lines, while others hesitated, unsure about stepping into character. But as we went through the script together, discussing the scenes, emotions, and intentions behind the words, the script was no longer just text, it was a reflection of real experiences, struggles, and hopes. Stepping Into Character With the script ready, it was time for casting. Some quickly volunteered for roles, while others took a little convincing. As the performing began, the hesitation melted away. Words turned into expressions, movements, and emotions. Some scenes brought laughter, others deep reflection. They were not just reciting lines, they were telling a story that, in many ways, mirrored some of their own lives. As the session ended, we shared small treats, a simple gesture to celebrate their courage in stepping into their roles. But the real impact was in what they took away, confidence, a sense of connection, and the realization that art is more than entertainment; it is a tool for healing, reflection, and transformation. Through Okiri, we continue to create spaces where storytelling is not just an activity but a force for change. Where young people can use art to reclaim their narratives, challenge stereotypes, and remind the world that their voices matter. Because they do.      

At Kisumu Children’s Remand Home, every child has a story of struggles they have faced, battles they have fought, and dreams they hold close. These struggles often leave them uncertain about their future. In the midst of all this uncertainty, moments of joy and connection become powerful reminders of hope. Through team-building and physical activities, we created a space where the children could engage in exercises that not only boosted their mental well-being but also fostered teamwork and collaboration. Breaking Down Barriers, Building Each Other Up The session began with a mix of excitement and hesitation. Some children jumped in eagerly, while others hung back, unsure of their abilities. But as the activities started; singing, dancing, cup balancing, duck walking, things changed. Laughter and jumping replaced doubt, and voices cheered each other on. “It seemed difficult when Don was giving the instructions, but after seeing the first and second person do it, I could not disappoint my team,” Peter Lessons in Trust and Collaboration Many of the children at the Remand Home have been forced to rely only on themselves, carrying burdens far too heavy for their young shoulders. But through teamwork exercises, they experienced what it means to lean on others. Whether it was making sure team mates understood the task or strategizing to complete the activity, they learnt that success often comes from unity, not isolation. Moments like these may seem small, but for these children, they are powerful. They challenge old beliefs and plant the seeds of trust and cooperation. As the session wrapped up, for some, it was a rare moment of pure fun. For others, it was a chance to see themselves in a new light, not as individuals defined by their past, but as young people with potential, with teammates, with a future. We then gathered back in the hall to talk about how they felt about the activities. The children shared their experiences. “We should have more sessions like these, to break the usual sitting in the room during sessions.” Ashley To end the session, we shared sweets with them, a small but meaningful gesture to celebrate their effort and teamwork. At Soulevement, through our flagship program Okiri, we are committed to creating these spaces where children can learn, grow, and rediscover hope. Through activities like these, we remind them that they are not alone. That they are capable. That their past does not define them, but their resilience does.  

On January 7, as part of our commitment to empower children in conflict with the law and support their reintegration into society, we held our first session of the year with children at Kisumu Children’s Remand Home.