Our Partnership with Freely in Hope

It is estimated that 99% of survivors of sexual violence in Kenya were first abused when they were children.  While parents and caregivers are increasingly aware of the risk, 59% feel that they did not have the tools, resources, or education to initiate such sensitive conversations with their children. Parents, especially those living in informal and rural settlements, are less likely to have preemptive conversations with their children on sexual abuse. Instead, they avoid the taboo topic, hoping that their children will be kept out of harm through prayers and studies. However, these children remain most vulnerable because they live in close quarters with elders and neighbors in violent and unsafe communities.

We’re partnering with Freely in Hope so that 1,000 people living in Kibera – the largest slum community in Nairobi, Kenya – can participate in “Lina Toto” workshops about sexual abuse awareness and prevention.  In addition, 200 local stakeholders are being trained as trainers so that the messaging and awareness can spread more broadly.  As a result, parents and caregivers in Kibera will know how to talk with their children about sexual abuse, respond to cases in their community, and access local support services.