OUR CURRENT PROGRAMS
Child Welfare and Care Reforms
Our Child Welfare and Care Reforms program is dedicated to transforming the child welfare landscape in Kenya, focusing on creating a holistic, inclusive environment where vulnerable children and their families can thrive. The program is centered around advocating for family-based care, economic empowerment for caregivers, and strengthening child protection systems, with an overarching aim of improving the lives of children and ensuring their safety, development, and access to basic rights.
Advocacy for Child Welfare
We work to reform Kenya’s child welfare systems, with a particular emphasis on shifting from institutionalized care to family-based care. This approach is critical for the emotional, psychological, and social development of children. Research shows that children raised in family settings are far more likely to experience positive outcomes in their education and overall well-being. Our advocacy in this area supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as children in family-based care are better protected from neglect and exploitation, which positively impacts their health and mental well-being.
At the same time, we push for economic empowerment of caregivers, enabling them to provide stable and supportive environments for children. Through vocational training, financial literacy, and access to resources, we ensure that caregivers have the tools to meet the financial demands of raising children. This empowerment directly supports SDG 1 (No Poverty) by helping families break free from the cycle of poverty, which is often a barrier to providing adequate care for children.
In advocating for family-based care, we are also addressing the need for social integration and inclusion, which aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By fostering environments where children are raised within families and communities, we reduce the systemic inequalities that often lead to children being institutionalized in the first place.
Child Protection Systems
Our advocacy for child protection is foundational to this reform process. We are pushing for stronger legal frameworks and more comprehensive child protection policies that focus on preventing abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Strengthening the rule of law in this area contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), where we aim to create robust institutions that uphold the rights of children and safeguard their futures.
We also work on improving access to education for children in care, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to attend school, receive quality education, and develop critical skills. By doing so, we directly support SDG 4 (Quality Education), ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to inclusive and equitable education. Education is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and build a foundation for long-term development.
Inclusive and Holistic Care
As part of our commitment to inclusive care, we ensure that children with disabilities are not left behind. We advocate for accessible care systems that provide tailored support to children with special needs, allowing them to integrate fully into society. This approach supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by ensuring that children with disabilities, both girls and boys, receive equal attention and care, fostering an inclusive environment where they can thrive.
Our programs also emphasize the importance of mental health and well-being, which is vital for the holistic development of children. The economic empowerment of caregivers and the creation of safe, supportive communities contribute to the mental health of both children and caregivers, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By fostering environments that prioritize mental and emotional well-being, we contribute to the development of resilient, healthy communities.
Strengthening Local Communities
A key aspect of our work is ensuring that communities are safe, supportive, and sustainable. By empowering local communities to take on the responsibility of caring for children, we contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Strong communities are vital for children’s well-being, as they provide both the physical infrastructure and the social support systems necessary for growth and development. We collaborate with local leaders, community groups, and policymakers to ensure that communities can meet the needs of their most vulnerable members.
Additionally, our advocacy efforts contribute to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaborations with governmental bodies, NGOs, and international organizations. These partnerships are essential to driving systemic change in child welfare, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable children are met at every level, from local communities to national policy.
Conclusion
The Child Welfare and Care Reforms program is designed to create a lasting impact by ensuring that children grow up in environments that foster their development, safety, and rights. Through family-based care, economic empowerment for caregivers, and stronger child protection systems, we are laying the foundation for healthier, more prosperous communities. By aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we ensure that our work not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to global efforts to end poverty, promote equality, and ensure sustainable development for future generations.
By advocating for reforms that prioritize the holistic welfare of children, we are creating pathways to a more just, equitable, and inclusive society, where all children—regardless of their background, disability, or socio-economic status—have the opportunity to thrive.