Rescuing Vulnerable Girls in Kenya
Many girls in Kenya face a desperate situation. Childhood violence and abuse are rampant in many communities. More than half of children report having experienced physical or sexual violence during their 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 of abuse themselves.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further increased risks to vulnerable children, especially girls. It has led to an increase in child labor. Many girls have been 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 much of our work is focused.
Our response in Kenya includes the following:
PROTECTION AND CARE
HopeCo operates a safe house that provides protective care to vulnerable girls that have been rescued from abuse. Here these girls are safe, receive trauma-informed counseling, quality education, and are cared for by our loving staff.
EMPOWERING WOMEN
We empower vulnerable women, mostly young teen moms, by providing them with the skills needed to earn an income and provide for their families. This program also provides emotional and spiritual care for these women.
INVESTING IN FAMILIES
We work with community leaders to provide education about gender-based violence, and we offer other forms of practical support to families. We are exploring new opportunities to expand programs that work with struggling communities.
Latest News from House of Faraja
Firstly, some good news! Three girls were safely reunited with their families just a few months ago. We are still working closely with both of them by providing ongoing counseling and support. Reintegrating children back with their families is always our hope (when it is safe to do so). We are thankful that this has been successfully accomplished for five precious young ladies so far!
We now have six girls at the House of Faraja, and we are seeing them make tremendous strides. Here’s how:
All seven of these children joined a local school in February, and though it’s been a struggle because of the trauma they have experienced, we have seen positive progress. One girl recently shared with us, “I thank House of Faraja for enrolling me in a school that I enjoy because it takes my focus off what happened to me and allows me to meet new friends and learn.”
An eight-year-old girl came to the House of Faraja unable to write and read. After working with her, she can now read some words and write her name. This might seem like a small thing – but it has been a big step for her!
One child arrived with an injured finger. Our staff ensured that she received proper treatment, and after many visits to the hospital fordressing and physiotherapy, her finger was completely healed.
Another girl came to the House of Faraja with an acute urinary tract infection. It took many months of visits to the hospital, but now she is better.
“We thank God for giving us these children to care for and ensure are safe. We cannot overemphasize how good God has been to us. Seeing children come out of trauma and heal can only result from God’s faithfulness. We are certain beyond doubt that He will continue to help the House of Faraja bring transformation to every child that is served.”
Join the Rescue Team
Will you join the fight for justice? As we rescue and care for vulnerable girls who face violence, we need partners who are passionate about giving hope and healing!
We want to see each precious girl heal from the trauma they have experienced, and see their lives changed as they come to know their lovingly Heavenly Father. Whenever possible, we also desire to see each girl reunited with their families and to help these families flourish.
Countless girls still need rescue! Will you join in the fight against abuse, violence, and child marriage in this community?
Here’s How You can partner with OUR SAFE HOUSE:
GIVE by becoming a Hope Ambassador. Our Hope Ambassadors contribute $20 or more a month to care for the girls rescued at our safe house in Kenya.
PRAY for our staff as they provide care and counseling to these young girls. Pray for justice in the legal system in Kenya, as many of these cases are slow moving. Pray for healing and restoration for each girl who comes to our safe house, that they would experience hope and healing through Jesus Christ.
SERVE by coming on a mission team or as a volunteer to City of Hope, and see first hand the situation facing young children in East Africa.