Protection Services for 100 Rural Kenyan Children

We had the pleasure of interviewing Anne Waichinga as part of our fundraising efforts. Anne is the executive director of Uhai Bora, a company that works to improve children's social and emotional development. Social emotional learning includes teaching children how to effectively manage their own lives, understand others and nurture healthy relationships, face daily obstacles, and interact with their environment productively.

She also has a wealth of expertise in the field of child protection, having held positions as Associate Director of Protection and Education at World Vision and County Coordinator for the Directorate of Children's Services.

Children that attend Nafasi will receive enough life skills from facilitators to help them avoid child abuse, juvenile delinquency, and early pregnancy. We have seen a considerable improvement in the prevention of juvenile delinquencies and anti-social behaviour because to our work in Athi-River. The six chosen schools have been teaching their students a variety of life skills, including as decision-making, emotional regulation, and self-awareness and self-esteem. Consider assertive communication as an example. A child can avoid using drugs or other substances improperly or even committing crimes if they are able to convey their emotions and even say "no" in clear, solid terms when faced with peer pressure.

We were able to discuss a variety of child protection-related subjects, including what life skills are and why they are crucial for children, thanks to Anne. We also received an overview of the life skills programs that are now offered in Kenya, including how these courses are either neglected or infused with other subjects taught in primary and secondary education. We have included a link to Anne's video clip discussing how life skills contribute to reducing vulnerability among children.

Links:

• A link to an interview clip with Anne.