23 Voices from Kenya: Discussing the important work of Home Street Home
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Visions of a Better World, we explore the work of Home Street Home through a conversation with two of its founding members, Salim Edward and Viola Wallenius.
Home Street Home is a non-profit organization operating in Makongeni, Kwale County, Kenya, and registered in Finland, Kenya, and Switzerland. Its work focuses on advancing children’s and youth’s education, wellbeing, and health through locally grounded, community-led initiatives. Both Salim and Viola live and work in Makongeni, offering perspectives rooted in everyday lived experience.
The discussion begins with the origins of the organization. Viola reflects on the importance of recognizing Home Street Home as a collaborative effort between local community members and international partners, challenging simplified narratives of development work. We then turn to the broader socio-economic context in Kenya, considering both structural challenges and the realities of rural life, alongside positive developments shaping the country today.
We also address the local impacts of climate change, with Salim sharing insights into environmental challenges in his community and the grassroots responses that have emerged. The conversation highlights how locally driven initiatives have evolved over time, as well as key milestones achieved by Home Street Home.
A central theme of the episode is how change occurs. Drawing on their experiences, Salim and Viola discuss community ownership, the role of local leadership in decision-making, and the complexities of addressing deeply rooted issues such as harmful traditional practices. The discussion engages with tensions between external interventions and internally driven change, emphasizing culturally informed and respectful approaches.
The episode also examines broader questions related to global development, including common misconceptions about the Global South and the role of grassroots knowledge in shaping more equitable practices. We reflect on representation and storytelling, and how social media can challenge one-dimensional portrayals by highlighting dignity, agency, and shared humanity.
Finally, the conversation turns toward the future. Salim and Viola share their perspectives on hope, parenthood, and the ongoing and future directions of Home Street Home’s work.
For more information and ways to support Home Street Home:
Instagram: @homestreethomry
Episode hosts: Astrid Aminoff and Max Tallberg
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