The Story of Safe&Aware
Rhea Makkuni presenting information about Safe&Aware
In the summer of 2021, just before starting her freshman year, Rhea Makkuni took a courageous step to create positive change in her community. Fueled by a pressing need for safety and a desire to empower others, she started a nonprofit organization named Safe&Aware. This organization has since become a beacon of hope, working tirelessly to foster a culture of empowerment, respect, and safety.
Rhea’s idea of starting Safe&Aware can be traced back to March 2021, following a kidnapping report in her quiet suburban neighborhood. This pivotal moment prompted a pause for reflection. Rhea realized that self-defense education could be a transformative tool, helping individuals, particularly women and youth, feel more confident and capable in uncertain situations.
Armed with determination, Rhea embarked on a journey of extensive research. Classes, seminars, and visits to domestic abuse shelters provided her with the knowledge she needed to begin her journey with Safe&Aware. She met survivors, learned simple self defense, and gathered useful information for her own classes and blogs.
The core mission of Safe&Aware emerged with three pillars: ensuring individuals feel safe, respected, and valued. Rhea passionately believes that empowerment does not only include physical self-defense but is also about nurturing the inner strength required to stand up against violence.
However, the road to making Safe&Aware a reality did not come without challenges. One of the primary hurdles was dispelling harmful misconceptions. Many people wrongly assumed that the organization was centered solely on martial arts, failing to grasp the comprehensive approach it offered. Frankly, any self-defense classes Rhea hosted taught basic defense, in which a background in martial arts was unnecessary. I attended one of these classes. She taught the class simple punches, sensitive areas to strike, and how to get out of difficult decisions. I left the class feeling more secure and confident. Moreover, Rhea discovered that tackling domestic abuse, especially within certain communities, required a nuanced approach to break through the stigmas associated with these issues.
In particular, Rhea found resistance within Indian culture, where the normalization of certain behaviors hindered progress. In her interview, Rhea teared up as she mentioned a “relative who felt relief when their husband passed because of the abuse she faced.” In what world should it be ok for a person to feel relief when a family member passes? A world where stigma exists. Rhea stated, “maybe if she had a place to go or someone to talk to, my relative could have gotten out of the situation she was in.” Addressing these deep-seated attitudes demand patience, education, and unwavering commitment– all qualities Rhea and her team possess.
Despite these challenges, Safe&Aware has begun to achieve remarkable status. The organization conducted numerous workshops and presentations, partnering with domestic abuse shelters to raise awareness and offer tangible solutions. Some examples of their efforts include panels with professionals, self-defense classes, and writing blogs.
As we reflect on the journey of Safe&Aware, it becomes evident that its impact goes beyond physical self-defense. It’s about the evolution of individuals, the metamorphosis from vulnerability to strength, and the emergence of empowered voices. It urges us to shift our perspectives, tune our brains to recognize wrongs, and stand up against normalized injustices.
The story of Safe&Aware is a testament to the remarkable potential of young individuals to effect positive change in their communities. The organization’s journey, from its commencement in the summer of 2021 to its ongoing efforts today, showcases the transformative power of education, self-defense, and unwavering dedication to a mission.
Instagram: staysafe_beaware
Website: safeandaware.blog
TikTok: staysafe_beaware
Email: bsafe.aware@gmail.com
Phone Number: (331)-551-8653
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Rhea Makkuni, Walter Payton High School, Founder of Safe&Aware