Venoranda Kuboka: I defend young girls against sexual violence

Venoranda Rebecca Kuboka, 31, has dedicated her life to social work through her community based organisation called Youth Changers Kenya.

A trained psychologist and Obama fellow, Venoranda's main focus is to promote sexual and reproductive health among adolescent girls and young women from rural and peri-urban settlements.

In addition, she has a keen interest in matters mental health among children and youths whom she interacts with often in her line of work.

When did you decide to get involved in social work?

I trace my involvement in community work to way back when I was only 12. I often mobilised my family members and friends to donate items they no longer needed which I would then give to the less privileged in my community.

It gave my tender heart great joy to relieve the suffering of those around me through small acts of kindness.

It is around that time that I realised my calling to help others. As I grew older my parents had ideas of other lucrative careers and suggested that I would make a great air hostess. I remain adamant in my decision to do social work.

What inspired you to stick with social work?

Growing up in Limuru, I saw girls getting pregnant at a very tender age. Sexual violence was also quite prevalent in the area. Education for the girls in my community was dangerously slighted especially among girls who had fallen victim of rape and unplanned pregnancy. I felt that this needed to change if at all the girls were to have a fair chance in life to maximise their potential.

Did you train to be a social worker or was it a matter of simply following your heart?

Yes, I did. Despite my passion to make a difference, I knew that I need a professional angle so as to apply my interventions effectively.

I started out with pursuing a certificate social development and thereafter a diploma in psychology.

I then joined the Pan African Christian university where I pursued a degree in counselling and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, specialising in Child and Youth Psychology.

While in campus, I was quite vocal in raising awareness on sexual health and human rights.

This did not rub off well with the administration given that the institution is predominantly Christian but that challenged taught me a very important lesson; for change and liberation to occur, we need to challenge the status quo.

Tell us about Youth Changers Kenya

It was started in 2015 as a community based organization to promote sexual reproductive health and rights, as well as mental health. We operate in Nairobi, Kiambu and Samburu Counties.

In Samburu, we partner with Samburu Girls Foundation to offer psychotherapy to victims of early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

In Nairobi and Kiambu, provide information and services like free HIV/AIDS testing and contraceptives to young and vulnerable girls.

Are you involved in advocacy among the girls you seek to empower?

Yes, make sure that their voices are heard during policy making by participating in legislative push for reforms that serve their best interests.

In addition, we work with an organization known as the Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network, KELIN, which offers legal services to the girls pro bono.

We work hand in hand with key gatekeepers in the society like the police, local chiefs, clinical officers and community volunteers.

Mentorship is a buzz word among youths today. Is it one of your deliverables?

It is. We have a mentorship and leadership program where we work with schools and churches. Our team has also started talking about mental health issues like depression, trauma and suicide, something so predominant but ignored in young people. So far, we have been able to reach slightly over 5000 children and youth.

How big is your team?

I have a pool of 30 volunteers, with most of them in Nairobi, while others are in Limuru. I am still trying to pull more resources so that I can have full-time employees.

What has been is your biggest challenge so far?

I get emotionally drained listening to the sad stories of young girls who have been victims of sexual violence. The other big challenge is identifying the right players for my team. Unfortunately, not everyone comes in to volunteer for noble reasons. Discerning this can be quite challenging.

What has been some of the highlights of your career?

The most recent was in July 2018 when I joined 200 leaders from 44 African countries in being part of Obama Foundation Leader’s Program in South Africa. While there, I got an opportunity to share about my work with award-winning actress Charlize Theron. Towards the end of the training, we met Barack Obama who commended us for amazing initiatives and encouraged women to take up political positions and change the narrative of African leadership.

I bet you have bagged a few awards along the way…

Oh yes! I received recognition during the ZURI Awards 2018 under the Leadership Category for my efforts in advocating the rights of adolescent girls and young women.

If you could be anything else, what would that be?

(Laughs). A human rights lawyer, definitely. Venoranda will not keep quiet if she sees any violation around her. I will be sure to speak up.