Children of Africa
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Rural villages

Where it all began

Our work in Kenya began in 2006, along the southern coast, in isolated rural villages where access to education, healthcare and essential services is extremely limited. These communities are different from one another, yet they share common challenges: deep-rooted poverty, large and often single-parent families, high rates of school dropout and illiteracy, widespread domestic violence, limited employment opportunities and an almost complete lack of social support systems.

Here, children often grow up without opportunities, protection or real prospects for the future. Yet these are precisely the places where we chose to begin, because when everything is missing, education has the power to truly change the course of a child’s life and transform an entire community.

Growing together, step by step

Through our child sponsorship programme, we support children from their very first day of school through to professional qualifications or university graduation. We help them choose the educational path that best matches their abilities and remain by their side until they achieve real independence.

Once they find employment, many choose to give back what they have received: they support their brothers and sisters in their studies, help their families financially, start small local businesses and contribute to the growth of their communities. Some of them are now part of our team in Kenya, creating a true virtuous cycle of change.

When a girl or a boy succeeds, it is not only a personal achievement — it is a transformation that reaches everyone around them.

Truly by their side

Every child carries a unique story, shaped by different strengths and vulnerabilities. Our work always begins with listening: understanding who we are supporting and what each child needs in order to grow, learn and imagine their own future.

We accompany children throughout their entire educational journey, from their first years in early childhood education to the completion of their studies. We support them in important decisions and stay close during the most challenging moments, until they are ready to walk independently.

Education becomes possible only when children feel seen, supported and safe. That is why we provide school materials and personal essentials, as well as nutritional and psychological support whenever needed. Every year, we organise a full medical check-up day for all children living in the villages, together with a residential Summer Camp offering educational experiences and new opportunities for discovery — often for the very first time in their lives.

Every child is unique, and so is the support we provide. Our daily commitment also comes from our constant presence on the ground. The Children of Africa social worker regularly meets children at school and at home, listens to their challenges, encourages them during difficult periods and builds a genuine relationship of trust with each one of them.

This is how every journey becomes possible: by staying close, understanding each child’s needs and building their future one step at a time, together.




Working with families and communities

No child grows up alone. Real change happens when families and communities become part of the journey too.

Through regular meetings, we work on topics such as hygiene, children’s rights, family planning, income management and positive parenting. Whenever possible, we support small income-generating activities for mothers, strengthening their independence and dignity.

We help make schools safe places by working alongside teachers and headteachers, while building trust with village leaders, local institutions and community representatives. We regularly visit families’ homes to ensure children live in safe and supportive environments, and we provide tailored support in the most vulnerable situations.

 

Our impact in numbers

Our impact in numbers




A community growing together

Today, we support more than one hundred children throughout their educational and personal growth journeys in villages along the southern coast of Kenya. Every story is different, and every achievement is the result of shared commitment with families, schools and communities.

You can be part of this journey too. Discover how our child sponsorship programme works and what it truly means to change a life.

 

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