Being a child in Kenya is not necessarily safe

Many children grow up in homes where money is scarce, where schooling is not guaranteed, and where alcohol contributes to insecurity and violence. For girls, the situation is often even more difficult, with a greater risk of leaving school early. 

But behind many of these challenges lies a factor that is rarely highlighted: alcohol. 

When money goes to alcohol instead of food and schooling, children are directly affected. When adults drink, the risk of violence and neglect increases, and children's opportunities are limited from the start. 

Together with our partner, we are working to change this. We create safe places where children receive support and hope for the future, while empowering families to break the negative impact of alcohol. When children are given the right conditions, they can stay in school, feel better and start to shape their own lives. 

Your gift makes it possible 

• 50 SEK is enough for colored pencils for art classes 

• 500 SEK is enough to train two social workers who visit the children's families. 

• 2500 SEK is enough for a computer that several children can use in the activity to also be part of the digital world we live in. 

Facts Kenya 

• Alcohol contributes to domestic violence and child insecurity (WHO)  

• Many children in vulnerable areas are at risk of leaving school early  

• Poverty means that families often do not have enough resources for food and education.  

• Safe growing up conditions are crucial for children's health and future. 

Story 

Meet Alvin – who learned to say no 

Alvin is 9 years old and lives in Bandani, an area of ​​Kisumu, Kenya. He is in grade three and dreams of becoming a doctor when he grows up. 

One evening he accompanied his father to a funeral in the area. When his father left for a while, Alvin was left with an acquaintance. The man was drinking alcohol – and offered Alvin a taste. 

“That's good,” he said. 

Alvin trusted him. He was his father's friend. 

He didn't know he could say no. 

After Alvin started participating in our work, that changed. Through conversations and activities, he learned about how alcohol affects the body and why children have the right to be protected from it. 

But most importantly, he learned that his voice matters. 

Today, Alvin knows that he has the right to say no. He also knows that he can tell an adult if something feels wrong and that there are people who will listen. 

At the same time, he has been given a safe place to be. Through activities like basketball and games, he gets to be a child, develop and focus on his future. 

“Now I know what I want to be. I want to be a doctor,” says Alvin. 

When children receive knowledge and support, something important happens. They can protect themselves – and create a different future than the one they would otherwise risk. 

Your gift makes it possible for more children like Alvin to grow up confident and say no when necessary.