Sustaining the Work Through Self-Care

by Hillary Nsala

The experience I got from the Hub was truly meaningful, it gave me a space to reflect, connect, and learn from other young activists who are doing important work within their communities.

We focused on a very important topic that is often overlooked, the mental health and wellbeing of activists. As people who are constantly fighting for change, supporting communities, and responding to social challenges, we sometimes forget to check in with ourselves. The discussions created a safe space to talk about how we are doing on the ground, the emotional weight that comes with activism, and the importance of taking care of ourselves while continuing the work we believe in.

One of the biggest reflections I took from the hub is that activism is not only about the communities we serve, but also about the people carrying the work. We spoke about the struggles we face as activists, the challenges of staying motivated, and how important it is to build support systems around us. It reminded me that rest, reflection, and looking after our mental health are also part of sustaining activism. 

The hub also allowed me to engage with other young activists from different backgrounds and learn from their experiences. Hearing different stories showed me that although our struggles may look different, many of us share the same passion for creating change and making our communities better. Overall, it was an amazing and eye opening experience. It reminded me why I continue doing this work and the importance of not only fighting for others but also making sure we are okay as activists. I am grateful for the conversations, connections, and lessons gained from this experience.

Eish I could go on. Thank you so much for the opportunity. I will forever take my experience everywhere I go.