We are the Wakulima Youth Group from Ngomongo in Korogocho. Our name ‘Wakulima’ comes from Swahili and means ‘farmers’. It all started with a simple idea: we no longer wanted to just look at the rubbish, the dirt and the problems in our street, but to make a difference ourselves. A joint decision led to the formation of a youth group that shows that change in Korogocho doesn’t start somewhere else, but right on our own doorstep.
We tidy up, collect rubbish, plant flowers in open spaces and, step by step, make our neighbourhood greener. What is known elsewhere as ‘urban gardening’ is not just a trend for us, but a practical way of helping our community: we create cleaner spaces, grow vegetables and combine environmental protection with community initiative. Our work has also given rise to small projects, involving chickens, eggs, tools, a water tank and everything else we need to turn an idea into something lasting.
Full of challenges, but we are strong
We are young people from Korogocho who believe in our neighbourhood. Many of us have experienced unemployment, insecurity and a lack of opportunities first-hand. But we refuse to be defined by these things. We work together, help one another and show that Korogocho is more than just poverty: it is a place full of potential, solidarity and young people who are taking control of their own futures.