Self-Defense, Emotional Resilience & Gender Equality
Strong bodies. Resilient minds. Safe communities.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Implemented with the Canada-Mathare Education Trust, this program equips adolescent and post-secondary scholars aged 14–18 with physical and emotional tools to navigate unsafe environments. Mathare presents high risks of gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and deep-seated gender norms.
Highly participatory, gender-sensitive methods include physical self-defense for girls focusing on escape techniques and voice assertiveness, bystander intervention training for boys, and mental health sessions addressing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Program Details
Target Audience
Adolescent and post-secondary scholars aged 14–18 in Mathare
Duration
Intensive 4-day training + ongoing peer support
Facilitator
Certified Trainers & PaaMoja Team
Location
Mathare Valley, Nairobi
Language
English & Swahili
Key Outcomes
01
Physical Self-Defense
Girls equipped with escape techniques and voice assertiveness.
02
Bystander Intervention
Boys trained to safely challenge harmful behaviors.
03
Emotional Resilience
Mental health strategies and positive coping mechanisms.
04
Peer Support
Strong peer networks providing ongoing support.
05
Reduced Stigma
Open community conversations reducing mental health stigma.
06
Community Safety
Parents and leaders actively supporting youth safety.
What Participants Say
“This program taught me that my voice is my strongest defense. I now walk through Mathare with confidence I never had before.” – Participant, aged 16 / Self-Defense Program, Mathare Valley
Ready to be part of Self-Defense Training?
Join hundreds of young people in Mathare transforming their lives through this program.
PaaMoja
#FollowLearnLead
Mathare Valley, Nairobi, Kenya
info@paamoja.org