Susan Mueni, a volunteer at the Carolina for Kibera, an NGO in Kibera has been awarded for her show of commitment in working with adolescents and school-age women in the slum.
Mueni and two other Kenyans were feted at Buckingham Palace, London by Queen Elizabeth for their efforts in changing their local communities.
Born and raised in Kibera slums, Mueni is very much conversant with the challenges and plights that girls in the slum areas face.
“Growing up, I witnessed my friends, neighbors and classmates dropping out of school due to lack of school fees, early pregnancies or even early marriages.I am lucky to have been guided and given the necessary information that helped me grow up a decent girl in the Kibera slum.
It is now my turn to mentor other girls that they may realize their potentials and become role models to others,” Mueni said.
Mueni's work ideally revolves around helping young girls explore issues that are much prevalent in their routine lives. They include issues around gender violence against women, access to education, reproductive health care services and information, and even demanding domestic chores.
Mueni recently completed her diploma in education and is now planning to start her degree course in sociology.