Focus Area
Empowerment
Children that know themselves and have the confidence to make choices
Current Situation
Children lack self esteem, have challenges expressing themselves and are often overlooked when considering decisions for their futures. There are a number of topics around mental health, sexual health and substance abuse that are not spoken about at home, in school or in the community. Often children’s futures can be derailed by teen pregnancies and a culture of looking the other way when pregnancies occur.
Why this Focus Area?
We know that for a child to succeed, they need to have the values and belief in what they want to do. So this focus area is about how we can empower students to know themsleves, their bodies, their wants for the future and to help give them the confidence they need to succeed.
We Believe
01
Our work is more than just skills, its attitudes that will help give a child the best opportunity to succeed
02
A child who understands and believes in themselves will make good decisions.
03
An informed parent will raise children in a way that empowers them to make their own decisions.
04
Economically empowered parents will support their children in school and at home.
05
Educated parents will understand the importance of and the value of educating their children.
Focus Area Goals
Eliminate gender-based violence
Reduce teen pregnancy
Develop confident students
Develop critical thinking skills among children
Increase family engagement in education
Nurture future leaders
“In grades 5 and 6, we teachers have observed a remarkable increase in confidence for boys and girls compared to other grades. They have developed a sense of teamwork, they can actively help each other in class discussions and confidently approach teachers with questions. I had the privilege of attending all the sessions of the Girl/Boy Empowerment Program and I have gained new strategies for teaching from the experience.”
Teacher Syongwa – Mbaikini PS
Statistics
0
teen pregnancies at the schools where the Girl/Boy Empowerment Program was launched
1000+
parents attended a mobilization meeting about reducing teen pregnancy and gender-based violence
100%
student confidence improved since starting the program
Our Empowerment Programs
We have a wide range of programs giving children the confidence to make choices. Below are some highlights:
Want to support this program?
The best way to help is by donating, fundraising, volunteering, or simply sharing the news of what we’re doing.
Stories of Impact
Read news and events related to this Focus Area.
Celebrating 152 Expanding Horizons Graduates
Three cohorts of the Expanding Horizons Club recently graduated at Nyaani Secondary School, Kyaithani Secondary School, and Lower Yatta Girls …
Read more…
Author: Monicah Kyalo
Posted on: July 24, 2026
Angel’s Learnings
Angel is a member of the Girl/Boy Empowerment Program. She recently shared with Mentor Jackie how she has grown through …
Read more…
Author: Jacqueline Muthoka
Posted on: July 2, 2026
Birds, Trees and Bees! A Field Trip
Kenya Connect led a two-day learning experience at Muthoki Country Lodge, bringing together 96 students from Tausi, Winners, Simba, and …
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Author: Brian Mateli
Posted on: April 20, 2026
