Amondi Awour- Nguvu Change Leader: PHOTO[COURTESY]
In a society where silence is often mistaken for strength, Amondi Awour, a Nguvu Change Leader, is making noise. Her voice, once stifled by cultural expectations and personal struggles, now resonates with a powerful message: Kenya’s youth are in the midst of a mental health crisis, and it’s time for change.
Amondi’s journey into mental health advocacy began in the quiet corners of her childhood home. “I grew up a silent child,” she recalls. “‘Usikue na kiherere’ (don’t be talkative), ‘nyamaza utaskia vizuri’ (keep quiet and you’ll feel better).” These well-intentioned but misguided admonitions laid the foundation for years of emotional suppression.
The true test of Amondi’s resilience came after secondary school when financial constraints shattered her dreams of a university education. “The family couldn’t afford to pay for my fees due to our financial situation, which affected me mentally,” she shares. “The whole situation took a toll on me; I got depressed.”
In a society where mental health was rarely discussed, Amondi found herself adrift in a sea of despair with no lifeline in sight. “At that time, no one talked about mental health, and I didn’t have support,” she says, the pain of those isolated years still evident in her voice.
It wasn’t until 2023, six years after her initial struggle, that Amondi found the courage to reach out to a mental health toll-free number. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in her journey and ignited a passion to ensure that others wouldn’t have to suffer in silence as she did.
Today, Amondi stands at the forefront of a movement, her petition to the Ministry of Health a rallying cry for change. She’s calling for a 20% increase in the mental health budget and the establishment of free mental health programs in schools and public hospitals across Kenya.
Her urgency is fueled by a series of tragic events that have rocked the nation: a young mother killing her child, university students taking their own lives, and even children as young as nine turning to substance abuse.
The roots of this crisis, Amondi believes, run deep into the fabric of Kenyan society. “Youth make their decisions due to the stigma they get from poverty, with no healthy environment to speak out,” she explains. The pressures are manifold: economic uncertainty, rising unemployment, societal expectations, and a pervasive identity crisis among the young.
But Amondi’s vision for change is as comprehensive as the problems are complex. She envisions youth-friendly, affordable, and 24/7 mental health services. “We need to place therapists in youth resource centers, and they have to be consistent,” she asserts. “We need professional counselors in schools, and teachers trained to handle mental health issues.”
Her approach is holistic, recognizing that true change requires a shift in both policy and culture. “Don’t talk for the sake of talking,” she advises schools looking to create safe spaces for mental health discussions.
As her petition gains traction – already garnering over 1,000 signatures – Amondi’s message to those still struggling in silence is simple and profound: “It gets better when you write things down. Writing saved my life.”
Amondi Awour’s journey from a silent child to a vocal advocate is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a beacon of hope for Kenya’s youth. Her petition is not just a document; it’s a promise of a future where no young person has to face their demons alone.
“Our youths are the future of our nation; they are our pride and vision for a prosperous country,” Amondi declares. “They deserve to be heard and given an environment that does not discriminate against their mental health status when they seek help.”
As Kenya grapples with rising mental health challenges, Amondi Awour stands as a beacon to the power of breaking silence, seeking help, and fighting for change. Her voice, once suppressed, now echoes with the hopes of a generation, calling for a Kenya where mental health support is not a luxury, but a right accessible to all.
