What we do

Since 2001 we have tried and tested projects in the communities we support in Kenya that aim to reduce poverty and create better opportunities for the most vulnerable and marginalised children, young people and families. We have worked together closely with individuals, schools, local governments and other NGOs to learn where the need is most and where we are best placed to provide solutions.

Seed of Hope

Since 2019 we have been focusing our efforts on developing and enhancing our flagship programme, Seed of Hope.

 

Our award winning Seed of Hope holistic vocational training centres work with vulnerable young people, 75-80% girls and young women, in Kenya over a period of one or two years, providing free training in life skills, business skills and vocations including fashion design, hair and beauty therapy and motor vehicle mechanics. Combined with holistic counselling support to overcome past traumas and build personal understanding and self-esteem, our programme leads to over 90% of graduates being employed, self-employed or in further education.

 

More than 80% of graduates are able to support their families  basic needs such as education and nutrition after completing a Seed of Hope programme, contributing to breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty. Ultimately our programme leads to a reduction in youth unemployment and poverty in Kenya and contributes towards the achievement of Kenya’s development goals as a nation.

 

Programme activities:

  • Skills training in areas such as Fashion and Design, Carpentry and Joinery, Hair and Beauty and Mechanics
  • Mental health support and counselling for all students
  • Additional curriculum support in literacy, numeracy, IT and English language
  • Daily feeding programme during term time
  • Training in business and entrepreneurial skills
  • Graduate revolving loan and savings scheme for graduates to establish small businesses
  • Graduate mentoring scheme to support vulnerable young people in the communities surrounding Seed of Hope centres
  • % students unemployed and out of school before SOH
  • % students who had completed secondary school before SOH
  • % students engaged in casual labour before SOH

Impact after graduating from Seed of Hope

Graduates in employment, self-employment or further education 92%
Graduates able to support themselves and their families 89%
Graduates currently mentoring other vulnerable young people in their community 50%

I graduated in 2011 from Seed of Hope Kariti with a certificate in Fashion and Dressmaking. Now I run my own business and can work around my two children, Mary and Joseph. I'm proud that I can support myself and my family.

Anne Thuo

Seed of Hope Graduate

We have two smaller programme areas that will be supported to completion by the end of 2021. These are programmes that have been ongoing for more than 10 years and are now very close to being sustainably completed. We are incredibly proud of these projects and the work that has gone into securing their sustainable futures. If you’re interested in finding out more about the two programmes below please don’t hesitate to drop our UK Director a line on vic@raisingfutureskenya.org.uk.

Family Strengthening

We support families of children who have been reintegrated after growing up in orphanages. We are currently supporting 41 families who care for 63 children to set up small businesses so they can provide for the children's basic needs such as education, medical care and food.

Support for Specialist Schools

After establishing two specialist schools for children with disabilities, we have gradually supported them to become self-sustaining. By 2021 we will support the schools to total self-reliance by investing in income generation schemes and offering capacity building.