2022 CAMPAIGN
Founded in 2002 by Kenyan James Musyoka and Marylander Tim Gregory, Kenya Connect began with a vision of empowering rural Kenyan communities through education, originating from a simple Pen Pal program. Today, it impacts 18,000 students and 500 teachers across 62 schools in Machakos. With initiatives like the solar-powered Learning Resource Center, the "Magic School Bus," and the 2022 Library Learning Center, the organization bridges technology, literature, and resources. Complementing these infrastructural advances, Kenya Connect's health and educational programs—ranging from sanitary pads and eye screenings to STEAM classes and global exchanges—embody its commitment to holistic development, always championing local leadership and global connections.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, rural Kenya witnessed an alarming spike in teen pregnancies. We funded the creation of Kenya Connect's Girl/Boy Empowerment program to cultivate healthy relationships and avert the impending spiral into maternal and infant poverty resulting from teen pregnancy.
A Note from the Heart:
" The backing from the Mothers’ Day Movement has been pivotal in jumpstarting this crucial initiative. We're thrilled to share our journey with you. Check out our specially curated Girl/Boy Empowerment video, an earnest portrayal by a talented Kenyan videographer. Deep gratitude for spotlighting Kenya Connect as your 2022 honoree."
- Sharon Runge, Executive Director.
EMPOWERING KENYAN GIRLS & BOYS TO CULTIVATE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
The Problem
During the COVID-19 pandemic, rural Kenya witnessed an alarming spike in teen pregnancies, pushing girls as young as 14 years old into the vicious cycle of poverty. A collision of challenges—school closures, parental job losses, droughts, and more—intensified this crisis. Faced with the lack of essentials like food and menstrual products, girls have been coerced or forced into compromising situations. Misinformation about relationships and sex further deepens this crisis for both girls and boys.
Spotlight: Kenya Connect on the Ground
Break the cycle. Empower both girls and boys to cultivate healthy relationships and avert the impending spiral into maternal and infant poverty.
COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
The Solution
Shape a future free from teen pregnancies and sexual violence; light the path for the next generation to step into a brighter, healthier future.
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Comprehensive Approach: Engage key community stakeholders from child protection officers to media representatives to co-create a sustainable strategy.
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Empowerment Sessions: Weekly after-school enrichment focusing on topics from sexual education to career planning.
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Parental Engagement: Workshops to guide discussions on sexual health, alongside support for income-generating activities.
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Community-Wide Awareness: Harness local radio and WhatsApp to champion the anti-teen pregnancy cause, reaching out to our 62 partner schools.
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Wings Poa Reusable Sanitary Pads: Distribute locally crafted sanitary pads, ensuring girls' uninterrupted schooling.
WHAT WE DID TOGETHER
With the funds raised from hundreds of people who joined the Mothers' Day Movement to shift gift-giving on Mother's Day, Kenya Connect helped shape a future free from teen pregnancies and sexual violence; lighting the path for the next generation to step into a brighter, healthier future.
Together, We Raised
$50,000