Children of Africa
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Our history

Children of Africa was founded in Lugano, Switzerland, in 2002, following a journey to Kenya that profoundly changed the perspective and priorities of Lorenza Bernasconi.

During that trip, she encountered people, stories, and needs that inspired her to take action. From that experience came the desire to build something meaningful: an organization committed to supporting children, young women, and families over the long term, creating real opportunities through education.

Lorenza often said that Africa must first be listened to.

She believed that lasting change does not come from solutions imposed from above, but from presence, trust, and the willingness to build together, starting from people’s real needs and the solutions they themselves identify.

From this vision, Children of Africa was born: an organization built on relationships, on care for every child, and on the belief that education can open the door to genuine opportunities.

Lorenza cared deeply about the future of girls and young women, believing they should grow up free to choose their own path. For this reason, she placed their empowerment, independence, and ability to shape their own future at the heart of our work.

After her passing in 2010, this way of working did not come to an end.

It continues every day through the projects we carry out, the communities we work alongside, and the way we choose to be present — with commitment, respect, and responsibility.

Her greatest legacy is not only what she built, but the way she taught us to build it.

2002

Children of Africa Foundation was established in Lugano with the mission of supporting children and young people living in some of Kenya’s most vulnerable communities through educational pathways that create lasting opportunities.

From the very beginning, education became the heart of the organization’s work.

2003

In its early years, the organization supported the renovation of a primary school in Waa, in Kenya’s Kwale District.

Soon afterwards, the school became a safe haven and protection centre for girls escaping abuse and child marriage.

2006

Children of Africa began working on a permanent basis in the rural villages along Kenya’s southern coast. During this period, the distance sponsorship programme was launched, supporting children and their families throughout their educational journey and personal development.

2009

Over time, the distance sponsorship programme expanded to communities further north along the coast, while maintaining the same approach based on listening, trust, and direct relationships with local communities.

2011

Lorenza personally oversaw the planning and launch of a vocational school for girls, but tragically lost her life in a road accident in 2010.

The Mama Lorenza’s Vocational Centre was inaugurated the following year and dedicated to her memory.

2020

In the years that followed, the organization continued to expand its presence further south across the region.

This growth was guided by a strong commitment to maintaining the quality and impact of every project.

2016

The first Summer Camp was launched.

Each year, young volunteers from across Europe travel to Mama Lorenza to share educational activities, games, workshops, and meaningful experiences with the children supported through the distance sponsorship programme

2019

Weaving the Future was launched, a project dedicated to the mothers of children enrolled in the distance sponsorship programme.

Through training in the traditional craft of basket weaving, women gain the skills to generate an independent source of income.

2020

Emèl, the social tailoring workshop, was established to provide professional opportunities for graduates of Mama Lorenza, helping them transition into sustainable employment.

2024

Emèl’s workshop was completely renovated. The workspace was redesigned to improve efficiency, and new professional equipment was introduced to increase both the quality and productivity of the workshop.

2025

Major sustainability improvements were completed at the Mama Lorenza’s Vocational Centre, including the renovation of the rainwater harvesting system and the installation of solar panels. The security system was also upgraded, and a new sports field was created.

2026

The Mama Lorenza’s Vocational Centre was recognized as Kenya’s Best Vocational Training School.