Meet Mathare's boxing coach drawing youth away from crime

In the heart Mathare slums, Nairobi is the Mlango Kubwa Boxing Club, a sanctuary for many young people trying to escape the clutches of crime and despair.

At the helm of this initiative is Joseph Gwada, a dedicated boxing coach who has turned the sport into a transformative force for the community.

Gwada's journey into coaching is not just about teaching boxing as a sport. Giving testimony as a crime reformist, Gwada sees the initiative as a tool for self-defense and an avenue to channel youthful energy away from crime.

In a neighborhood where opportunities are limited and crime rates remain a challenge, Gwada’s efforts have become a lifeline for many young people.

“We use boxing as more than just a sport. It’s a way to instill discipline, self-respect, and confidence in these youths,” said Gwada.

His students, many of them teenagers and young adults, have found in boxing an escape from the pressure of criminal influences that surround them.

However, Gwada’s vision extends beyond the young men. Recently, he has embarked on a mission to train women, especially young single mothers, many of whom face overwhelming challenges in the ghetto.

“These women come here not just for fitness, but to find hope, to regain control of their lives,” he explained.

According to Gwada, the training sessions for these women are about more than just physical strength. They train for resilience, proving that sports can empower even the most vulnerable in society.

Many of these women have stories of struggle, but through boxing, they are finding a new sense of purpose and community. Joseph Gwada's approach has resonated within the community.

His efforts continue to inspire, offering hope in a place where despair often looms.