Poverty and Hope

Indian Philosopher Mahatma Gandhi once said "Poverty is the worst form of violence".

I vicariously experienced this violence as I walked through the slums situated in the garbage dumping area in Maili Saba in the Eastlands of Nairobi. I smelt the toxic fumes of burning garbage and stench of the sewage in canals, I've seen the toiletless living conditions, and visited the humble makeshift homes crowded with 7-8 children. These families were living a hand-to-mouth existence hardly making ends meet and hoping against hope that tomorrow would be a better day. A stark contrast to this is the Westlands where the rich live in large homes, air conditioned, with servants and all the perks and luxuries of living. They form five percent of the population yet control over 60% of the wealth and power. Is there justice in this? When the politicians and rich are in power, their sole objective is to entrench and protect their self-interests and positions. Graft and corruption prevails because of this. Does this give the 70% population of slum-dwellers any hope? Approximately 77% have given up their "tumaini"(hope). It breaks my heart to see the seeming futility of it all. Yet there is this local organization called Safe Spaces that is rallying girls and their families to not give up and instead work for change.

Gandhi also said "Be the change that you want to see" . Safe Spaces appears to exemplify this. Safe Spaces - giving new hope to life and new life to hope.