By Antony Omutanyi
Mombasa, Kenya: In a small village of Likoni nestled along the serene coastline of Mombasa, Dorcus Kangu stands as a figure of inspiration, love, and tireless dedication. For years, Dorcus has been at the forefront of fighting some of the most pressing challenges in her community—drug abuse among youth, child trafficking, and gender-based violence (GBV). Through her remarkable journey, she has transformed lives, empowering young people with skills and providing hope for vulnerable children.
Dorcus, a 42-year-old mother of three, has always had a deep connection to her community. Growing up in a relatively stable family, she witnessed many of her neighbours and friends fall into cycles of poverty, drug abuse, and violence. “I was lucky to have supportive parents, but I saw the struggles of those around me, especially women and children,” Aisha recalls.
Although she never experienced abuse or addiction herself, Dorcus knew early on that she wanted to make a difference. She pursued education with a passion, studying Social Work at Moi University, and returned home to start what would become her life’s work—helping the most vulnerable in her community.
The coastal region of Kenya, especially Mombasa, has long battled with high rates of drug abuse among the youth. The easy availability of substances like heroin and marijuana, combined with poverty and unemployment, has led to widespread addiction. Dorcus saw the devastating effects first hand—young men and women, some as young as 12, whose futures were being stolen by addiction.
Determined to act, Dorcus started by organising community meetings to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. She partnered with local clinics to provide free counselling and rehabilitation services for those battling addiction. “These young people don’t just need lectures. They need someone to believe in them, to help them find a new path,” Dorcus explains.
But she knew that to keep the youth away from drugs, they needed skills and opportunities. This realisation led her to launch a tailoring program, giving young men and women a chance to learn a trade and earn a living.
In 2018, Dorcus opened Mombasa Rays of Hope, a tailoring centre where young people can learn dressmaking, embroidery, and basic business skills. Starting with just three sewing machines and five students, the centre has since grown into a thriving space with over 50 students, most of whom were once at risk of falling into drug abuse or crime.
“Tailoring is more than just sewing clothes,” Dorcus says. “It’s about giving these young people dignity, purpose, and a way to provide for their families.”
Many of her students have gone on to open their own small tailoring businesses, and some have even become trainers at the centre. Dorcus also runs workshops on entrepreneurship, teaching the youth how to market their products and manage their finances.
While working in the community, Dorcus uncovered another dark reality: child trafficking. Many children in the coastal region, especially those from poor or broken families, are vulnerable to traffickers who exploit them for labour or worse. “It broke my heart to see children as young as six or seven being taken advantage of,” she says.
Determined to protect these children, Dorcus partnered with local authorities and NGOs to rescue trafficked children and provide them with a safe place to heal.
Although Dorcus has never been a victim of GBV, she has seen the silent suffering of many women in her community. Cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse are rampant, yet many victims remain silent out of fear or lack of support. Dorcus believes that empowering women and educating communities is key to reducing these cases.
She works closely with women’s groups in Mombasa, holding workshops to teach women their rights and providing safe spaces where victims of GBV can receive counselling and legal support.
“These women need a voice, and they need to know that they are not alone,” she says. Dorcus has become that voice for many, advocating for stronger legal protections for women and girls in the coastal region.
To address the growing needs of children in her community, Dorcus expanded her work in 2020 by founding Rays of Hope Community School, a school for vulnerable and orphaned children. The academy offers free education to children who have been rescued from trafficking, domestic abuse, or extreme poverty.
At Rays of Hope Community School, education goes beyond the classroom. Dorcus ensures that the children are taught life skills, with a focus on self-reliance. “These children have gone through so much. We want to give them the tools to succeed in life, not just academically but emotionally and socially,” she explains.
Dorcus Kangu’s impact on the coastal region of Kenya is immeasurable. Through her efforts, hundreds of young people have found hope and a way out of addiction. Vulnerable children have been given a second chance at life, and women are finding their voices and standing up against violence.
As Dorcus looks to the future, her vision remains clear. She hopes to expand her tailoring program, open more shelters for trafficked children, and create a larger network of support for victims of GBV and drug abuse.
“There’s so much work to be done, but we’re making progress,” she says with a smile. “One life at a time, we are building a better future for our community.”
