Before the One World Together Summit, solidarity was a word I often heard in meetings, discussions, and development spaces. Over the three days spent with partners from the University of Manchester, Community Savers UK, Play it Forward Zambia, Seed of Hope (Raising Futures Kenya), and Muungano wa Wanavijiji, I came to appreciate solidarity in a much deeper way, not as a concept, but as something that can be seen, felt, and experienced through people, relationships, and collective action.
Hosted at Muungano House, the summit brought together organizations supported through the One World Together Solidarity Fund. It created a space for learning, sharing experiences, and reflecting on how partnerships can contribute to community-led transformation. What stood out from the very beginning was the openness with which everyone shared their stories.
Despite coming from different countries and working in different contexts, there was a common commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities and ensuring that no one is left behind. As each organization shared its work and journey, it was inspiring to hear about the different ways communities are creating change. From youth-led podcasts and murals to vocational training, mentorship programs, advocacy initiatives, and grassroots organizing, every presentation reflected a strong belief in the power of people to transform their own communities when given the opportunity and support.
One activity that particularly stayed with me was when participants were asked to express what the partnership meant to them. As groups shared their reflections, words such as hope, support, transformation, resilience, love, and inspiration repeatedly emerged. It was a simple exercise, yet it captured the spirit of the summit perfectly. Beyond the projects and activities, what connected everyone was a shared belief in people and their ability to create change.
The summit became even more meaningful when we moved beyond the meeting room and into the community. Visiting Kiamaiko in Mathare allowed our guests to experience community-led development firsthand. Before the visit, we had a conversation about Muungano wa Wanavijiji and its journey over the last thirty years. Listening to the movement’s history reminded me that Muungano is not just an organization but a collective effort by communities living in informal settlements to organize, save, advocate, and develop solutions to the challenges affecting their lives.
The movement has consistently demonstrated that communities are not waiting for change to happen to them; they are actively leading it. Walking through Kiamaiko with our visitors, I could see how powerful it was for them to witness this work in practice. Community members proudly shared their experiences and spoke about the journey behind the Mahira drainage improvement project and the construction of the Kiamaiko Resilience Hub. One thing that stood out to me was the pride in the voices of community members as they explained how years of organising and advocacy had resulted in tangible improvements within their neighborhood.
Standing near the drainage system and listening to residents share their stories, I realized that the project represented much more than improved infrastructure. It symbolized persistence, collective action, and a community’s determination to address challenges that had affected them for years. Similarly, the Resilience Hub stood as a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together around a common vision and work alongside different stakeholders to make it a reality. Another memorable experience was our visit to Seed of Hope, run by Raising Futures Kenya.
From the moment we arrived, it was evident that the organization is doing more than providing vocational training; it is creating opportunities and restoring hope. As we toured the different training areas, including beauty therapy, ICT, and mechanical repair, we met young people who are actively working towards building better futures for themselves. What touched me most were the stories of young mothers supported through the program. Learning about the dignity packs, childcare support, mentorship, and vouchers provided to help them meet their daily needs gave me a deeper appreciation for how thoughtful, holistic support can transform lives. It was encouraging to see young women being given an opportunity to continue learning, pursue their goals, and provide for their children without having to choose between motherhood and their future aspirations.
Throughout the summit, I was reminded that meaningful change does not happen because of funding alone. It happens because of people the community members who organize and advocate, the youth who use their talents to inspire change, the women who continue to lead despite challenges, and the partners who believe in investing in local solutions. The resources provided through the One World Together Solidarity Fund are important, but their greatest impact comes from the trust, relationships, and collaboration they help to foster.
As Muungano wa Wanavijiji celebrates thirty years of making slums visible and championing community-led development, this summit felt like a powerful reflection of what can be achieved through solidarity. It brought together people from different places, cultures, and experiences, yet we were united by a shared vision of dignity, inclusion, resilience, and social justice. As I reflect on the three days, I carry with me the stories, conversations, and lessons shared by everyone involved. More importantly, I leave with a renewed belief that communities have the knowledge, capacity, and determination to transform their realities when given the space and support to lead. The One World Together Summit was not simply a meeting of organizations; it was a celebration of people coming together to learn from one another, support one another, and work collectively towards a better future for all.
Written by Elizabeth Njoki
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