The ongoing protests in Kenya against the Finance Bill 2024 have ignited a powerful movement for economic justice. While taking to the streets is a crucial act of solidarity and dissent, it’s equally important to take care of yourself and your fellow protestors. Protests can be physically and emotionally demanding. It is therefore extremely important to have strategies in place for ongoing self-care and community care.
Maandamano yanayoendelea nchini Kenya dhidi ya Mswada wa Fedha wa 2024 yamechochea harakati kubwa ya kupigania haki za kiuchumi. Wakati kushuka mitaani ni kitendo muhimu cha kupinga, ni muhimu pia kujitunza na kuwatunza wenzako wanaounga mkono maandamano. Maandamano ni njia yenye nguvu ya kupinga na kuonyesha mshikamano, lakini pia yanaweza kuwa migumu kimwili na kihisia. Kwa hivyo, ni muhimu sana kuwa na mikakati ya kujitunza na kutunza jumuiya.
Self-Care Tips (Vidokeo vya Kujitunza)
You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s important to make sure you are taking good care of yourself so that you can take good care of others.
Huwezi kumwaga kutoka kwenye kikombe kisicho na kitu. Ni muhimu kuhakikisha unajitunza vyema ili uweze kuwatunza wengine.
Physical Wellbeing (Ustawi wa Kimwili)
- Nourish Your Body: Pack water, snacks, and energy bars to stay hydrated and fueled throughout the protest. Make sure to maintain good eating habits before and after the protests. You’ll need all the fuel you can get.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes to navigate crowds and potential long periods on your feet.
- Get Rest: While adrenaline might run high, prioritise sleep before and after protests.
- Lishe Mwili Wako: Beba maji, vitafunwa, na baa za nishati ili ukae na maji mwilini na nguvu wakati wote wa maandamano. Hakikisha unadumisha tabia nzuri za kula kabla na baada ya maandamano. Utahitaji nguvu nyingi uwezavyo.
- Vaa Vizuri: Vaa nguo zinazolingana na hali ya hewa na viatu vizuri kutembea kwenye umati wa watu na uwezekano wa kukaa kwa muda mrefu.
- Pumzika: Ingawa hisia zinaweza kuwa juu, zingatia kulala kabla na baada ya maandamano.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing (Ustawi wa Akili na Kihisia)
- Know Your Limits: Listen to your body and mind. Taking breaks or stepping away from the frontlines is okay.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness exercises can help manage stress and anxiety. Consider practising these techniques beforehand.
- Talk it Out: Process your experiences with friends, family, or a therapist. Sharing your feelings can be a powerful way to cope.
- Jua Mipaka Yako: Sikiliza mwili wako na akili yako. Kuchukua mapumziko au kujitenga na mstari wa mbele ni sawa.
- Fanya Mazoezi ya Kupumzisha Akili: Kupumua kwa kina, kutafakari, au mazoezi ya kuzingatia (mindfulness) yanaweza kusaidia kudhibiti msongo wa mawazo na wasiwasi. Fikiria kufanya mazoezi haya mapema.
- Zungumza Na Watu Wako: Shiriki uzoefu wako na marafiki, familia, au mtaalamu wa akili. Kushiriki hisia zako inaweza kuwa njia nzuri ya kukabiliana.
Community Care Tips (Vidokeo vya Kutunza Jumuiya)
Okay, now that you’ve got some self-care tips down, you can help to support others.
Sawa, sasa kwa kuwa unayo vidokeo vya kujitunza, unaweza kusaidia kuwasaidia wengine.
- Buddy Up: Find a friend or group to stay with during the protest. Having someone to watch your back and share experiences creates a sense of security and support.
- Look Out for One Another: Be aware of others’ needs. Offer water, snacks, or a listening ear to those around you.
- Respect Boundaries: Everyone has different comfort levels. Respect people’s need for space or privacy, including not filming in people’s faces if they’re not comfortable.
- Celebrate Victories, Big and Small: Maintain morale by acknowledging and celebrating milestones, both individual and collective.
- Tafuta Mshirika: Tafuta rafiki au kikundi cha kukaa nao wakati wa maandamano. Kuwa na mtu wa kukulinda na kushiriki uzoefu huunda hisia ya usalama na msaada.
- Angaliaana: Kuwa mwangalifu na mahitaji ya wengine. Toa maji, vitafunwa, au sikio la kusikiliza kwa wale walio kari yako.
- Heshimu Mipaka: Kila mtu ana viwango tofauti vya faraja. Heshimu hitaji la watu kuwa na nafasi au faragha, ikiwa ni pamoja na kutowapiga watu video usoni bila ruhusa.
- Sherekea Ushindi, Mikubwa na Midogo: Dumisha ari kwa kutambua na kusherehekea hatua muhimu, binafsi na kwa pamoja.
Self-care and community care especially when it’s aftercare from the protests, are essential and radical acts. We are not machines and we cannot be going nonstop without time to rest and recover our bodies and minds.
Kujitunza na kutunza jumuiya haswa wakati ni baada ya maandamano, ni muhimu na ni vitendo vya kimapinduzi. Sio mashine na hatuwezi kuendelea bila kupumzika na kupona miili na akili zetu.
For tips on safety during the protests, read here.
Kwa vidokeo kuhusu usalama wakati wa maandamano, soma hapa.
