The conversations surrounding youth and their need for safe and social spaces has gained significance. With the rise of digital communication and the increasing importance of community engagement, the necessity of providing environments where young individuals can thrive, interact and feel secure has become paramount. With our weekly Coffee Bar Tuesday discussion being held on 2^nd April 2024, it shed light on the multidimensional aspects of establishing such spaces and the potential benefits they can offer to both individuals and communities at large.

A question was posed by the moderator to the participants to define a safe space. Participants defined a safe space as an environment where you can freely express yourself without fear of judgment or discrimination with many differing kinds of safe spaces that are there. Others pointed out that a safe space offers a sanctuary for individuals to explore their identities, share their experiences and seek support when needed. However, the dictionary defines a safe space as a place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm.

The discussion sparked an engaging dialogue with participants offering different views on their understanding of places they perceive as safe spaces such as churches, parks and other playing grounds.. A participant shared that his safe space is a club, it’s only in clubs that he feels safe and not judged. The issue of someone being a safe space also arose a lot of mixed reactions with many citing a person cannot and should not be a safe space for anyone.  For young people lacking social skills, a safe space is somewhere they can learn and practice new skills and receive constructive feedback.

“A safe space is a place where you feel happy, not judged and at peace.” a participants said

However, how many youth safe spaces do we have within our communities? Are they even in existence? The majority of participants were able to agree that we don’t have youth safe spaces within Mukuru where young people can walk in without being discriminated against and also feeling safe. MuYI Hub was also picked by some of the participants as a safe space for them. The coffee Bar Tuesday session was also picked as a safe space for many with many sharing that we don’t have a lot of spaces where one can share what they think or feel without being judged.

Participants contributed that youth safe and social spaces for youth facilitate meaningful interactions and connections. This can happen through organized activities, community events, or casual gatherings. They further echoed that these spaces provide opportunities for young people to engage with their peers, build friendships, and form supportive networks. Such interactions are valuable for personal growth and development, as they allow individuals to broaden their perspectives, and learn from others.

The session laid a solid foundation for understanding the significance of safe and social spaces for youth. The discussion surrounding safe and social spaces for youth underscores the importance of creating environments where young individuals can thrive, connect, and contribute positively to society. As we reflect on the insights shared and ideas exchanged during the discussion, it becomes evident that safe and social spaces play essential roles in shaping individuals. As young people, we must continue calling for better youth safe spaces and youth friendly services. As a young person, make sure you are able to create a safe space where you are able to express yourself without anyone judging you. See you Tuesday!