Alumni Shine a Light: Shakira’s Powerful Talk on Mental Health

Nakitende Shakira, a Hope Alive! alumna who graduated in 2019 with a diploma in education, returned to speak with our older girls group, Girls With a Value (GWAV). Besides teaching in the classroom, she volunteers with Strong Mind, an organization that raises awareness about mental health—especially stress and depression—while counseling affected children.

During her visit, Shakira shared practical insights about mental health, the causes and signs of stress, and ways to overcome depression. She also conducted stress assessments with the girls, revealing that their major stress triggers include academic pressure, too much homework, lack of family support, and high expectations.

Shakira knows these struggles first hand because she grew up mostly on her own. She credits Hope Alive! for the support that kept her going, and that inspired her to get trained and give back through Strong Mind.

Her talk was a welcome encouragement for the girls. One participant shared, “Praise God. We are glad for this opportunity as Girls With a Value. I’m happy to say that today we received a visitor, Shakira, and we are very grateful for what she taught us—how to manage stress, handle our worries, and find relief. I am truly humbled to appreciate our leader who has taught us so well. We are all smiling because we are so happy!”

We are always joyful when alumni give back and pour into students. It makes such a powerful impact!