Girls in Kenya face a desperate situation
Childhood violence and abuse are rampant in Kenya. More than half of children report having experienced physical or sexual violence during childhood. This has severe consequences for the health and well-being of children by increasing risky sexual behavior, mental health problems, and the risk of victims becoming perpetrators themselves.
The COVID-19 pandemic further increased risks to vulnerable children, especially girls. It also led to an increase in child labor. Many girls were forced to drop out of school and enter forced and abusive marriages that often result in dangerous teen pregnancies. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is still a major problem in Kenya, especially in the Kuria tribe where most of our work is focused.
Here’s how HopeCo is responding to this urgent need:
More about our work in Kenya
We provide a place of SAFETY
This includes a safe house for vulnerable girls rescued from abusive situations. Here they are protected, receive trauma-informed counseling, education, and are cared for by loving caregivers. Girls are in the program for 2-4 years, and they are then reunified with their families if it is safe to do so.
We EMPOWER women and girls
We empower through teaching women skills to earn an income and provide for their families. In 2020, we launched an empowerment program in Kenya where we teach young teen mothers how to sew while also providing emotional and spiritual care. We will continue to grow this program.
We INVEST in families
This includes providing education on gender-based violence, advocacy for their needs, workshops, poverty alleviation activities, and other forms of support.
You can be part of joining HopeCo in giving hope and a future to vulnerable girls who face abuse, violence, and despair every day. Together, we can see their lives changed forever.
Click the image above to download our Hope Ambassador Flyer!
