Building a Tool Kit to Better Advocate for the Marginalized

Marilyne Njuraita studied sociology and Swahili at Howard University in Washington, D.C., before making the move to New York to start at Columbia’s School of Social Work  this past fall. Columbia News caught up with Njuraita to discuss what brought her here, what she hopes to pursue when she’s done, and the differing merits of living in New York City and D.C.

What brought you to the School of Social Work, and why did you choose Columbia?

I studied Sociology in undergrad at Howard University. I decided to pursue a master’s in social work because I believe in merging study and practice as an organizer and advocate. I contemplated a few possible places to pursue a social work degree, including Howard University and other historically Black colleges and universities, but ultimately chose Columbia because it is one of the oldest schools of social work in the U.S. I believe that the decades-old knowledge that Columbia offers will prepare me to organize and advocate for marginalized communities better and more easily. Additionally, I felt that a social work degree would support my ability to return to Nairobi (my hometown) following graduation and pursue a range of opportunities focused on helping marginalized communities.

Can you describe the work your project, TENA, does?

In 2021, I founded TENA, which means “again” in Swahili, to support justice-impacted families and individuals who were falling through the cracks during the 2020 pandemic. The name refers to the process of trying again that many individuals who have been affected by the justice system have to go through to reenter society and reduce recidivism.

TENA is focused on the restoration and redefining of individuals and families impacted by the justice system and the child policing system, also known as the child welfare system. Driven by the organization’s three goals–reflect, recover, and rebuild–TENA aims to provide the necessary support to transition back into society successfully. My vision is to grow the organization and promote successful reentry into safe and healthy communities through education, mentorship, and support services.

What do you hope to pursue professionally after you finish at Columbia?

I hope to go to law school and continue community organizing in Kenya after I finish at Columbia. There have been major protests by members of Gen Z in Kenya recently challenging exorbitant tax raises. The Kenyan youth are ready for change and have so much potential to enact anti-colonial, Pan-African policy in the country. After law school, I hope to work with the Kenyan government to influence policy supporting youth and older generations, and continue pushing for prison abolition in support of restorative, survivor-centered justice as it was in pre-colonial Kenya.  

You minored in Swahili at Howard. What’s your relationship with the language? Do you speak it often?

As a native Kenyan, Swahili is my first language and the language of my people. This was the main motivator to study it in undergrad in addition to my need to sustain it while away from home. Upon my Swahili professor’s recommendation, I made it my minor, and it allowed me to apply and be accepted to the Howard University Swahili Study Abroad (HUSSA) program in Kenya. This immensely supported my Swahili practice and exposure to Swahili-speaking African countries throughout my time at Howard University. Currently, I speak Swahili with my direct family in the U.S. but I’m most proud when I can speak it with my maternal grandmother (and namesake), who mostly speaks our indigenous language, Kikuyu. Swahili is our bridge to understand and communicate with each other, making it extremely sacred to me.

What's something that's surprised you about Columbia so far?

I was surprised by many things at Columbia, but the amount of support and resources available to students was the biggest surprise. I’m a graduate assistant with Columbia School of Social Work Student Life and the many opportunities offered to students by the team amaze me. There are pet therapy, meditation spaces, food/drink accommodations at most events, free counseling sessions, free testing, and so much more that Columbia students can utilize to get the most out of their degree.

Any tips for students on how best to enjoy life outside of campus?

I urge students to get out of their comfort zone and venture out of Manhattan. I live in Brooklyn and my peers are rarely in my area, so they miss out on so much culture, food, community care, and camaraderie with the people of New York. At the same time, Columbia students have to approach these areas with respect and good faith. Get out of the Columbia bubble and experience all the city has to offer!

You are a Howard alum. Which is your favorite city? NY or DC?

I lived in D.C. for about five years (including my time as a student), so I’ve had a longer run there, but New York is quickly stealing my heart. At this moment, I’d say my favorite is New York because of the liveliness, fashion, various food cuisines, and diverse immigrant population that make me feel at home.