Samosa FestivalOctober 26, 2023

SAMOSA FESTIVAL-HeideMarie Primary School

Location

Mathare Area 4, Nairobi

Attendees

350 pupils, 2 teachers

Synopsis of the Performance

The puppetry performance centered on Slippers, a primary school pupil. She has two schoolmates who try to influence her to drop out of school to start working for money. Their intention is to get her on the streets, free from parental control, and manipulate her into a sexual relationship.

Interactive Dialogue with Pupils

What did you learn from the performance / what message were they trying to drive?

Friends can influence our decisions and behaviors. We should choose friends wisely.
We should value education as it gives us knowledge to help us be responsible citizens.
We should have healthy relationships based on respect, avoiding peers who push us into risky behavior.

What would you have done better if you were in Slippers' situation?

I would have been assertive with my friends and resisted the temptation to drop out.
I would have immediately reported the manipulation to a trusted adult or teacher.
I would have walked away from negative friends who do not support my education.

What are some of the effects of dropping out and yielding to peer pressure?

Entering child labor early.
Unintended teenage pregnancy and health risks.
Stigma, discrimination, and isolation from the community.
High risk of drug abuse and ending up as a street child.
Exposure to violence and exploitation.

What would you do to ensure that your education is not affected and your safety is secured?

Surround myself with positive friends who value education.
Practice assertiveness—knowing my boundaries and what I want in life.
Participate in constructive extra-curricular activities during leisure time.
Create a personal study timetable during holidays to stay focused on school.

Achievements & Impact

Engaged a large crowd of 350 pupils with high interaction and interest.
Equipped children with critical decision-making skills right before a long school holiday.