Educate & Empower 1200 Girls in the Nairobi Slums

Hellen is one of the many alumni of the Safe Spaces in Nairobi, a non-profit organization for underprivileged girls in the Eastland slums. Hellen has had a passion for photography ever since she was introduced to it. When Hellen first came to Safe Spaces, in 2013, she was living and working on a dumpsite. Her mother was ill, and she was vulnerable for violence and sexual abuse. She had no secondary education, and therefore had no bright expectations for her future.

When she got involved with Safe Spaces, she seemed so thankful and you could clearly see a light coming back into her eyes. Once Hellen joined, she quickly learnt basic important facts about the female body and also some software skills. We encouraged her to pursue her passion of photography, to express herself and the harsh realities of growing up and living in the Eastland slums. Her self-esteem started to grow and she became stronger while developing her skills for photography and filming. In the meantime, she developed herself as a creative and talented photographer. Safe Spaces supplied her with the necessary equipment and she started capturing the daily lives in the Eastland slums. Below are some of her pictures that she took during her time at Safe Spaces.  

Not long after, a private media company was looking for a creative photographer. An opportunity struck and Safe Spaces recommended Hellen, which led to them hiring her immediately. The job was a success and she loved it! Her newly increased income gave her the possibility to take care of her mother and pay the necessary medical bills. She moved out of the Eastland slums into a more high-end residential area. In 2016 she even got promoted to a supervisory position for this media company.     

Now Hellen is happily married and ready to start a family of her own. She still remembers her life in the slum and shows a lot of gratitude towards Safe Spaces. 

Hellen’s story is one of many, many girls who have come to Safe Spaces with very no education and a very grim outlook on life.

Safe Spaces was founded by Peninah Nthenya Musyimi, a strong empowered women who also grew up in the Eastland slums. Her goal is to engage, educate and empower these young women in the Nairobi slums. She has reached out to many girls, and plans to continue to do so until all futures are secured.