The Mentorship Program is aimed at empowering and giving hope to orphaned and vulnerable children by giving them a trusted peer mentor and friend. A relationship with a non-parental adult influences positively the child's perception of their own strengths and abilities, enhancing self-esteem and giving them a different perspective to life's challenges. Under the Program, a support network of volunteers will dedicate their time to spending it with the kids and carrying out various activities.
In Kenya, there are approximately 2.4 million children are orphans in Kenya, of whom between 30-45% end up at children institutions (orphanages). The responsible institutions and/or their extended families can't ensure that they receive the attention and attachment needed in order for them to fully develop their potential. They often lack self-confidence, empathy and motivation and they are poorly prepared when it comes to coping with real life situations.
A relationship with a non-parental adult, with the main goal of developing the young people social skills and abilities, influences positively their perception of self-worth and strengthens their motivation, while helping them be better suited to benefit from the support of their parents and providers. This project is aimed at empowering and giving them hope through interactions with positive role models and human interaction in order for them to be able to become an active part of the society.
Our goal is a practical expression of love and compassion that ensures orphaned children from disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and impact their community. Mentoring is especially important for at-risk children, whose environment provides a limited number of positive role models and opportunities. The engagement with a mentor presents a good way for them to spend their free time, while keeping them away from unhealthy occupations and negative environments.