Be KY-ND: Why a bereaved mom started a campaign to honour her son

Just over two years ago, Jenni Rowe received an earth-shattering call - she had to hear that her son Ky had taken his own life.

As the devastated mom went through the process of adjusting to this new reality, she felt a need to honour Kyle's life and legacy.

Rowe founded an organisation she called KY-ND, with the aim of reaching out and helping others who may be feeling alone and unworthy, as Ky had at some points in his life.

Sara-Jayne Makwala King chats to the woman intent on spreading kindness on Weekend Breakfast.

Rowe says she wanted to spread start conversations around owning our words and actions, and the impact they have

She started out with a bench at Ky's school where she was available at breaktime for anyone who needed to talk.

Ky's residence in Stellenbosch followed up with one of their own.

Rowe describes her child as an extraordinary, gentle and sensitive soul who helped many others.

"He was a giver, he was a listener... quiet and introverted, but always there for others."

"He did struggle, like a lot of children are struggling. You don't always understand the deep pain that people hold."

Jenni Rowe, Founder - KY-ND

Rowe explains that Ky was teased at junior school during the times when he put on weight, but never spoke about it.

"He did share a lot with me... but this one thing that gave him the most pain through his life, he didn't speak about."

"He was gorgeous. He was fit and played water polo and ran... but those moments when he was younger, he never dealt with. Only two years ago did I know that the trauma of that time had had such a deep effect on him."

Jenni Rowe, Founder - KY-ND

Rowe says she wanted to share their story, as perhaps in doing so she could continue Ky's legacy of helping people.

"There are so many people out there that just need to be heard... We're so connected digitally, and yet loneliness is on the increase; suicides are on the increase."

"That's been my deep sense, wanting to connect, to get kids physically present... having peer group discussions in schools, especially coming into junior schools. I feel there's such a need with everything happening in their lives, that they are held and that we build strong children."

Jenni Rowe, Founder - KY-ND

The movement is described on its website as a brand and campaign to ignite conversations, build connections and remind us to be kind (KY-ND).

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