From Acts of Kindness to Systemic Change: The BSF Journey
Our Origins: A Commitment to Vulnerable Children
Bringing Smiles Foundation (BSF) began with a simple but powerful conviction: that every child deserves to grow up with dignity, hope, and a smile.
In our early years, we operated as a broad-based support organization. We were on the ground in children's homes and rescue centers providing support to them in form of food, clothing, utilities and so much more. We also launched initiatives like the "Street Food Drive," the "Cake Initiative," and the "Success Card Initiative" to ensure vulnerable children felt seen and valued. We led successful fundraising campaigns like the "90 Day Buy a Brick Campaign" for Glory Christian Rescue Centre and the "Sheltering Smiles" project for Flomina Children’s Home. We partnered with Kimbilio to organize Mental Health Walks to raise awareness on Mental Health and increase support for those affected.
Through these efforts, we are proud to have directly supported 5200 children directly, and 7000 indirectly, by providing them with essential resources and educational support.
The Turning Point: Why We Evolved
While our general support programs were impactful, our close work with communities in places like Mathare revealed a darker, urgent reality. We saw that providing food and shelter was not enough if a child was not safe.
We recognized that Child Sexual Assault (CSA) was a pervasive, often silent crisis undermining the future of the very children we sought to help. In 2024, guided by rigorous research and a strategic needs assessment, BSF made a bold decision to undergo a "Goal Centralization Process".
We chose to pivot our entire organizational focus to address the root causes of vulnerability. We moved from broad charity to
strategic protection.
A Message from Our Founder
"When we started Bringing Smiles Foundation, our goal was to meet the immediate needs of children who had been left behind. But the more we listened to their stories, the more we realized that the greatest barrier to their potential wasn't just a lack of resources—it was a lack of safety.
We realized that to truly 'bring smiles' that last, we had to protect the innocence behind them. Our evolution into an organization dedicated to preventing Child Sexual Assault is not a departure from our roots; it is the deepest expression of them. We are now applying the same passion and community trust we built over the last three years to solve one of Kenya’s most critical human rights challenges."
~ Gathoni Mburu, Executive Director & Founder
Key Milestones
Infrastructure Projects
Successfully led the "Buy a Brick" and "Sheltering Smiles" construction projects to improve living conditions for children in care
.
The Strategic Pivot (2024)
Conducted the "Mathare Needs Assessment" and formally adopted our new 5-Phase Strategy to combat Child Sexual Assault
.
Be Part of Our Next Chapter. We have the history, the trust, and the plan. Now we need you.
