Housing for Boys Facing Trauma and Stigma

Most school uniforms that learners wear in Kenya is often not of the highest quality. It is eaither the buttons are too loose, the material is too fragile or the uniform doesn't fit. Well, that is exactly what we noticed when *Dye, Tye and Braveheart (not their real names) rejoined school after a long lay-off and staying at hime without going to school due to lack of school fees.

During one of our brainstorming meetings where one of our meeting agendas was on the quality of school unirom, one of the boys suggested that the boys can start sewing school uniform. Not only did we find this idea brilliant, the good thing was that it is an idea that came from the boys! We can make extra uniform that we can sell, one of them added, this way we can make money for Lifesong Kenya, another one said.

Thanks to your generous support, we took a leap of faith. The boys are really enjoying the sewing lessons that are happening every Tuesday and Friday of the week. The boys have started learning how to sew pillows, tote bags and recycling material that we have collected from other tailors in Ngong Town, instead of them being thrown away and dumped, thereby leading to ugly dumping sites.

We would like to convey our heatfelt gratitude towards your continued support and monthly donations and will keep you updated about our progress. In the mean time, allow us to share a few photos from our Fashion and Design Project! Please let us know what you think and share widely with your family, friend and community so we can get more people to contribute towards our work and mission.

It has been an action packed three months of activities at Lifesong Kenya! Thanks to your continued generous support, our Halfway House is becoming a safe space that provides much more than a bed. After *Braveheart (not his real name) and two other boys from our Halfway House went back to school, thanks to your generous support, boys from their schools are coming to our Halfway House to play board games, watch live football (soccer) matches, play soccer and finish homework from school.

On our part, our team is using this opportunity to equip and empower the boys with valuable skills they need to treat themselves, their peers, women, girls, the environment and all mankind with dignity, respect and honor. And by doing this, we are providing the boys a safe environenment where they can grow and thrive.

Admitting New Boys

Your monthly support has also enabled us to admit new boys - two brothers aged 16 and 13 years old - into our Halfway House program. Thanks to your support, we were able to fuel our car and drive 60 miles (90 km) to do a background check on the circumstances that led to the two boys fleeing from their home. This process involved shaving the boys, providing a set of new clothes and shoes and visiting the community and schools they had attended before dropping out. 

Camping Event

We recently had wonderful time at camp for *Braveheart (not his real name) and five other boys. During the camp, we explored the power of dreams and how they can help in setting smart goals, building resilience and remaining focused in life. The boys learned how to pitch tents, taking photos, budgeting for the event and were responsible for cooking meals during the two nights of camping.

“I have been to camps before but this is the first time I am preparing and sleeping inside my own tent. I am glad to be spending time with my friends in activities that are fun, educational and inspirational. I am looking forward to the next camp where we can add hiking, cycling, swimming and maybe fishing, which I know James enjoys doing!”

– Braveheart

Final Thoughts

All these has been made possible through your consistent giving and donations. However, we are not able to fully take care of our program expenses due to limited financial support. We are therefore appealing for your help to reach more people. As a esult, we would like to request you to share our appeal for support with your family and friends so Lifesong Kenya can receive more support to help us to support more boys. Thanks in advance!