Act Nicely: DREAMS Girls Transforming Communities through Art and Advocacy

In the heart of Kisumu County, a remarkable initiative named “Act Nicely” has blossomed, driven by a group of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) benefiting from the USAID 4TheChild Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) interventions.

The genesis of this transformative journey unfolded during a Social Asset Building (SAB) session held at Mama Sisi Safe Space in Kondele Ward. These sessions build social skills that may improve girls’ abilities to protect themselves by reducing their social isolation and providing them with social safety nets through mentors, peer groups, civic engagement, and access to health information and services. At this session, 23 girls aged 10 to 24, inspired by a collective vision, sought guidance from their mentors to channel their talents in acting and create educational skits to address the prevailing backlog of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases within the courts.

Act Nicely DREAMS Girls posing for a photo at Mama Sisi Safe Space in Kondele Ward, Kisumu County.

Recognizing the importance of nurturing diverse talents within the group, the AGYW mentors implemented open and talent days during the SAB sessions at the safe space. These events provided a platform for the girls to express themselves freely, fostering an environment conducive to self-discovery. Beyond self-expression, these sessions became a catalyst for community engagement and transformation, leading the AGYW participants to identify talents that could be harnessed for community advocacy.

Act Nicely aims to explore the intersection of theatre with community, culture, and society, challenging and engaging peers and the broader community. The group customizes its skits for various age groups, ensuring each performance resonates effectively with its target audience. It leverages art and songs to engage the masses, raising awareness about SGBV and promoting HIV prevention measures (including Pre-exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP), and imparts knowledge on fostering a supportive environment for girls, showcased on their dedicated YouTube channel – Act Nicely DREAMS Girls. AMPATH partner Moi University College of Health Sciences is the implementing partner for USAID 4TheChild.

Act Nicely DREAMS Girls with the Chief Justice of Kenya and other dignitaries during the launch of SGBV Court at Kisumu Law Courts in June 2023.

Act Nicely has not only exhibited its artistic prowess in various county events, but has also harnessed its performances as a potent tool for advocacy. Their noteworthy appearances include shedding light on the challenges faced by children in the community during Children Services Week; confronting the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day; and emphasizing the significance of free healthcare on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day. The group’s active participation in events like the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and International Women’s Day underscores its dedication to tackling societal issues through their artistic expression.

A moment of distinction for Act Nicely was the privilege of performing for the Chief Justice of Kenya, H.E. Martha Koome, during the launch of the SGBV Court at Kisumu Law Courts in June 2023.

“Our group earned its identity through positive acclaim resulting from our compelling performances, where onlookers praised us for having ‘acted nicely’,” Sakina Abdalla, the group chair, shared with USAID 4TheChild.

Act Nicely’s impact extends beyond performances, as the group actively educates fellow girls on crucial topics such as PrEP, HIV/AIDS, stigma and discrimination, sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), access to justice, and court processes. The group’s advocacy efforts have positioned Act Nicely as a catalyst for social and behavioral change among children and youths, showcasing the transformative power of art in addressing urgent societal issues.

Sakina Abdalla emphasized the empowering effect of acting: “Engaging in acting has empowered us to make positive contributions to the community. When mentors educate us on SGBV, we utilize the same knowledge to sensitize community members through our skits and performances.”

Act Nicely's journey has led to significant achievements, including being recognized as the best in plays during the Kisumu Central Auditions at the Kisumu Sports and Cultural Festival. The group also secured a contract to perform at the prestigious Kisumu Agricultural Show, solidifying its burgeoning influence and promising an impactful future for these talented girls.

Act Nicely is expanding its reach and welcomes any AGYW with a passion for acting. Moving forward, the group aims to access more platforms, forge additional partnerships for empowerment, and undergo comprehensive mentorship to further enhance their skills. The Act Nicely story stands as a testament to the potential of art to drive positive change and empower communities.