1st October 2024
We are delighted to announce that we have begun working with two more local organizations, Undugu Kilifi and Y-Malawi, over the last few months.
Joining our current network of 13 incredible in-country partners, our work with both organizations will provide vital support to children living in extreme poverty and those who are at risk in communities across Kenya and Malawi.
Preventing Children from Living on the Streets with Undugu Kilifi
Who are Undugu Kilifi?
As a sister organization to our existing long-term partner Undugu Society of Kenya (USK), Undugu Kilifi has the shared goal of improving the lives of children and young people who are living and working on the streets. Building on USK’s focus on rehabilitation and reintegration for street-connected children living in Kenya’s major cities, the Kilifi team is working towards mitigating the push and pull factors that cause vulnerable children to leave their homes in the first place.
Why are we starting this partnership?
Kilifi County in the south-west corner of Kenya is one of the country’s most deprived areas. With approximately 71% of the local population living in poverty, this is considerably higher than the national poverty level of 38%. Without adequate structures in place to protect their rights, children living in Kilifi face a constant threat of violence, exploitation and abuse.
Based on needs assessments conducted in both Kilifi and Nairobi, it is clear that there is a significant proportion of young people who feel they have no choice but to leave their homes in Kilifi. Turning to cities like Nairobi with the prospect of greater opportunity, many of these children end up living on the streets where they are extremely vulnerable and have no form of protection or access to basic necessities.
How will we work together?
In the communities of Msumarini and Kanamai, we will make sure that young people have a structure of peers, teachers and safeguarding bodies who stand up for and protect their rights. As an extension of our Child Rights Program, we will train eight community paralegals to provide free legal assistance to children in both communities and advocate for their safety with the local authorities.
Our work together will ensure that communities in Kilifi become safe places that are full of opportunities for children to flourish, alleviating many of the driving forces that cause many children to end up living on the streets.
Reducing Child Exploitation with Y-Malawi
Who are Y-Malawi?
Since 2007, Y-Malawi have sought to promote and pursue sustainable change in communities across the country, taking an approach that is locally desired, renewable and has a far-reaching impact. One of their main areas of interest is the empowerment of women and girls through education and skills training.
Why are we starting this partnership?
Early marriages and school dropouts are rampant in Malawi’s Nkhotakota District. As a predominantly rural area along the shores of Lake Malawi, 61% of children in Nkhotakota are living in poverty and face a heightened risk of poverty-driven issues such as violence, abuse and exploitation.
How will we work together?
Introducing our Child Rights Program in Malawi for the first time, we will work together in the three communities of Chamba, Chiziri and Nkhanga. Through the program, we will set up clubs in schools for children to learn about their rights and responsibilities and take part in outreach activities such as dances and drama performances to spread awareness throughout their communities.
Coupled with teacher training and workshops for parents and guardians, our work in Nkhotakota will safeguard children and reduce the prevalence of child rights violations.
Starting these partnerships and expanding the impact of our work would not be possible without the commitment of our incredible supporters. We look forward to updating you on how our work together in Malawi and Kenya progresses over the months and years to come.
