Ya Mululu supports and uplifts vulnerable youth and mothers

The Ya Mululu Helping Hand Foundation is making a difference in vulnerable communities through practical support, skills development and mentorship.

Founded in 2021 by educator Nadia Mululu, the grassroots initiative provides essential support while equipping young people with skills for greater independence.

Mululu, an educator with 11 years of experience specialising in special needs education and a background in early childhood development, uses her experience to respond to the needs of vulnerable youth, orphans and young mothers.

The foundation provides essential items to communities facing hardship, including sanitary pads for young learners, second-hand clothing and school uniforms, food parcels, cosmetics, diapers and newborn care items for young mothers.

Its work, however, extends beyond immediate relief. Through its skills development and career relevance programme, the foundation provides entrepreneurship training, cooking classes for orphans and vulnerable children, stocktaking and inventory management workshops, as well as mentorship.

The organisation has also supported menstrual hygiene initiatives at Etomba Senior Secondary School, Shingunguma Combined School, Onyeka Combined School and Loide Nedunya Combined School. However, with 25 schools currently waiting for sanitary pad donations, the need for continued support remains significant.

The foundation also works alongside Safe Circle Aftercare, established by Mululu in 2022. The enterprise provides paid aftercare, homework assistance, nanny and general worker training, special needs support and youth mentorship, helping sustain the foundation’s free community initiatives.

For Mululu, the work is about more than providing immediate assistance. Her vision is to establish a centralised youth centre offering free career guidance, technical skills development, counselling and a platform where young people can showcase their ideas and innovations.

Her message to aspiring young social activists and leaders is clear. “Do not give up on your dreams, do not be afraid to start small, and remain completely confident.”

Through its combination of community support and skills development, Ya Mululu Helping Hand Foundation continues to work towards empowering vulnerable individuals and helping young people build a more independent future.