Davis’ Take: A Day of Talent and Hope, Empowering the Boy Child

Late September, our very own Davis Lang’at, a Lawyer and Certified Mediator, got a chance to participate at the World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day an event organized by Tubonge Bila Kiki in collaboration with the Kenya Prisons Service representing Oluoch Kimori Advocates. The event themed, ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide,’ resonated deeply as professionals from various fields gathered to make a difference for young boys in remand. This event aimed to break the stigma surrounding mental health and also offer support to those battling suicidal thoughts.

Davis’ participation in this event at the Shimo la Tewa Borstal Institution brings forth meaningful effort to address mental health and suicide prevention, especially among young boys and men in remand.

The event displayed colorful skill, talent and resilience of these boys through activities such as marching band, football matches, and among other competitions. The launch of a library at the Borstal Medical Center underlined the creativity and artistry nurtured within the institution.

Davis’ role at the event centered around educating the boys on restorative justice. The key take-aways from his powerful speech highlighted the 5 long-standing principles that restorative justice empowers participants by focusing on relationships, respect, responsibility, repair, and reintegration.

The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for supportive interventions in youth correctional facilities.