Why this Project is Important

Potential Long Term Impact

Creates opportunities for girls to become future community leaders of other vulnerable children. Their participation creates a shift in poverty toward a life of rebuilding and belonging.

Project Message

"These girls believe that their futures stopped when they fled their countries - they felt that they had nothing to live for. Heshima Kenya is providing them with hope."
- Zahra, Refugee Mother

Who is Running This Project

Organization

Heshima Kenya P.O. Box 181 Belton, MO 64012 United States (312) 714-4038 http://www.heshimakenya.org

Learn more about Heshima Kenya and the project team.

Where this Project is Located

Country

This project is located in Kenya and can also be found under Women and Girls.

For more information about Kenya, read the Human Development Report on Kenya or the Wikipedia entry for Kenya.

When this Project was Updated

Last Updated

This project was last updated on December 17, 2008.

Date Added to GlobalGiving

This project was added to the GlobalGiving project catalog on April 10, 2008.

Latest Update from the Field

Update From the Field

By Talyn Good - Co-Executive Director for Operations, December 17, 2008 05:59 PM

As conflict and famine spreads throughout Somalia and refugees continue to flee human rights abuses in Ethiopia and Eritrea, unaccompanied refugee children, especially adolescent girls, are uncertain when or if they will ever return home. Instead of falling deeper into the cracks of insecurity and invisibility, Heshima Kenya recognizes that these particular girls are in desperate need of mentorship, education and skill development opportunities that will help them achieve economic independence while in Nairobi.

Since January 2008, 30 girls have been enrolled in our Children’s Empowerment Project, and 8 girls have participated in vocational skills training courses. Girls that have never attended school are learning to read and write, and for the first time in their lives, believe they can lead real change within their communities.

Part of the Children’s Empowerment Project’s life skills discussion is centered on human rights and community leadership. Guest speakers from community organizations and advocacy groups talk about their work, how they have become active community leaders and how they have overcome challenges—including living with AIDS, growing up on Nairobi streets, and dealing with discrimination as a minority in Kenya.

At our most recent session we had a dynamic discussion about the US elections and grassroots involvement in the political process. The girls began to connect how people take risks for something they are committed to and their own ability to affect change. They had many suggestions for President-Elect Obama, particularly on how he can improve the lives of refugees. The girls recognized how valuable their advocacy can be and their responsibility to educate others. This led to a spirited discussion about female leadership, particularly in Somalia.

Thank you so much for your support and helping to provide a voice to these girls. Please share your comments with us!
Talyn

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