Protecting Kenya's Children from Sexual Violence.
In Kenya, nearly 1 in 6 girls and 1 in 16 boys experience sexual violence before the age of 18. Of those victims, only 41% of girls and 39% of boys disclose the abuse to someone. Among those who disclose, only 12% of girls and 3% of boys successfully access support services.
Silent Pain Needs Loud Voices.
At Bringing Smiles Foundation, we are unwavering in our mission to combat child sexual abuse in Kenya. Through comprehensive education, vigilant and targeted interventions, and unwavering support, we strive to create a safe haven for every child. Our work is grounded in data, driven by evidence, and powered by the community. Together, we’re building a scalable, sustainable future where every child can grow up safe and dream freely.
Who We Are
Bringing Smiles Foundation is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to safeguarding children from sexual violence and aiding survivors on their path to healing. Our work begins in the slums of Mathare, to educate communities, empower survivors, advocate for policy changes while providing essential support, all this while laying the foundation for expansion across Kenya.
Our Four-Phase Approach to Lasting Change
To create real, sustainable impact, we employ a structured four-phase strategy. At every phase, we employ a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to track outcomes, refine our approach, and ensure scalability to protect more children and support more survivors.
Phase 1: Research, Education, and Awareness
The first step to change is understanding the problem. In Mathare, we begin by gathering data and insights to uncover the root causes of child sexual assault. Armed with this knowledge, we educate children, families, and community leaders on how to recognize, prevent, and address abuse. Through workshops, seminars, and tailored educational materials, we are raising awareness and equipping communities with the tools they need to take action.
Phase 2: Prevention and Intervention
Prevention is key to protecting children from harm. We collaborate with local leaders to identify children at risk and provide immediate protection. We implement immediate measures to protect children at risk and address systemic gaps. Our advocacy efforts focus on strengthening child protection policies and enforcement mechanisms. To enhance response times, we implement accessible tools like hotlines, predictive AI and reporting platforms, ensuring abuse cases are addressed quickly and effectively.
Phase 3: Support and Rehabilitation
Every survivor deserves the opportunity to heal. We provide survivors with professional counseling, trauma-informed medical care, and legal assistance. Through partnerships with healthcare providers and legal experts, we ensure survivors receive high-quality support to rebuild their lives. Additionally, we create safe spaces where survivors can find peace, regain confidence, and begin their journey toward recovery.
Phase 4: Empowerment and Reintegration
Healing goes beyond recovery—it’s about reclaiming a future. We empower survivors with education, scholarships, and vocational training, giving them the tools they need to thrive. Our programs also support families with economic empowerment initiatives, creating stability and resilience. By fostering acceptance and community support, we help survivors reintegrate into society with dignity and strength.
The Problem is Urgent. Together, We Can Create a Safer Future.
In the slums of Mathare, thousands of children face the devastating threat of sexual violence. This is where our journey begins. In our first year, Bringing Smiles Foundation is focusing on education, awareness, and laying the groundwork for lasting change.Through our Phase 1 initiatives, we are working to ensure children and families in Mathare have the knowledge, tools, and support to prevent child sexual violence. With your support, we aim to create safer communities and restore hope to survivors. Here’s what we’re working to achieve in the coming year:
Education and Awareness
Educate Children and the Community Members at large on recognizing and preventing abuse.
Legal and Policy Research
Review existing laws on Child Protection and Sexual Offences to identify gaps in their content and Implementation
