Child and Youth Safeguarding

Explore about our Child and Youth safeguarding program. 

Protection of Children’s Rights

In Kenya, the protection of children’s rights is a priority enshrined in both national and international legal frameworks. The Kenyan Constitution, particularly Article 53, guarantees every child the right to basic education, healthcare, protection from abuse, neglect, harmful cultural practices, and all forms of violence. Additionally, Kenya is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which further reinforces these protections. Despite these robust legal provisions, challenges such as poverty, child labor, and limited access to education and healthcare persist. Efforts by the government, NGOs, and community organizations are ongoing to address these issues, aiming to create a safer and more supportive environment for all children in Kenya. These initiatives are crucial in ensuring that every child can grow up in a secure and nurturing environment, free from exploitation and harm.

 

Childrens Rights 

Young people who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care often face significant challenges transitioning from school to starting a career, lacking the networks, resources, or guidance available to their peers. SOS Children’s Villages in Kenya, in collaboration with partners and the youth themselves, have developed innovative ways to ensure a safe and confident transition into independence. Our youth empowerment program emphasizes child and youth safeguarding by providing care, nurturing, life skills, employability skills, and related support to over 5,000 youth in Kenya. Despite the global pandemic’s impact, the youth department has successfully implemented career coaching, job coaching, and mentorship programs to protect and empower young people. Notable partners include DHL, Nailab, Total Kenya, AJIRA, KIBIT, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, among others, all contributing to a secure and supportive environment for these vulnerable youth.