How to be (Ka)Brazen with your children in times of protest
As the #RejectFinanceBill2024 movement continues in Kenya, we wanted to share some resources for you and your little ones (under 10) to help them understand what is going on. This is far from exhaustive list of media, tools and tips, with a focus on our baby, 'KaBrazen' for anyone living with children in a country with ongoing protests.
First things first, remember your children can see and feel what's going on. They may have questions on why it's happening, or what they should do, if it's okay to be scared. They are full human beings, with thoughts and concerns so...Listen to them! It's okay to be honest, in age appropriate ways, and allow them to share their feelings too. We've done a lot of work with children and a great thing in this moment you can do is be present and not dismissive.
KaBrazen tells folkloric stories of real Brazen African women. Each episode is 20mins+ of screen-free entertainment on www.kabrazen.com or where you find your podcasts. Let them sing, dance and play as they listen, releasing energy & tension. Every episode listed here, by the name of the woman featured, can be found in English and Kiswahili.
Chances are you already know some of these women, and if you don't, that's okay, look it up! Plus great people like paukwa have lots of positive stories Kenya's past and present. Please reply with any other resources you can think of please! https://paukwa.or.ke/
See, children ask really really, really big questions all the time. Why protest? What's wrong? Will it ever change? Who did it? Why? Why? Why? Here is how you can use KaBrazen stories to answer them.
What is a protest? Tiny Zarina Patel led the protests that saved Jeevanjee gardens. She started asking why as a kid and eventually, together with so many others, came together to speak in one voice so their leaders could hear them. A protest.
How does a protest work? Ketty Nivyabandi led a huge protest in Burundi, and this episode shows all the ways she and her people had to be smart to outwit the wicked chameleons so that they could be heard.
Why is everyone so angry? No matter your politics, it is clear people are angry because they feel their leaders aren't listening. Queen Njinga had to learn how to be a good leader for her people, and you can learn too.
Has it happened before? Absolutely! In fact, did you know Mekatili wa Menza led protests waaaay back in the 1910s? Kenya was made by people speaking up - see how she did it back then and helped defeat the 'colourless frogs'.
Is it dangerous? It can be! Mekatilili wa Menza, mentioned above, was even taken away from her people for some time. But as some say, we do it afraid, we do it irregardless. And when you need it, sing strength out: Haiya, haiya, haiyoo!
I'm scared. It makes sense, a lot of people are afraid. The good thing is, we are facing these fears together. And know, like Nelly Cheboi, even in your darkest time, you dreams are working really hard to help you.
Can I come? Probably not, but there are so many ways people are helping who aren't there. People educating, like Fatma and Maryam. People listening, like A Quiet Girl. You do what you can with what you have, and that's enough.
For those with little ones, let us know what they are worried about. We'll share as much as we can to help the children going forward. If you have any thing you think can help children through this, feel free to quote and tag this!
