Empowering Children, Greening Schools and Building Healthier Communities

Dorcas Kenya works with schools and key stakeholders to create safe, healthy, inclusive and environmentally responsible spaces where children can learn, participate and thrive. Through partnerships with schools, teachers, government institutions and local communities, we integrate social and financial education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and environmental action. This approach enables children not only to learn, but also to practise skills and behaviours that can positively influence their families and wider communities.

Through Aflatoun clubs, children develop practical skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership, social responsibility and life skills. Aflatoun clubs are active in 22 and 33 primary schools in NorthGem and Kajiado South sub-counties, respectively, while school enterprises such as vegetable gardens and stationery businesses give children opportunities to put their skills into practice. Our WASH work uses child-centred approaches such as CHAST to teach practical behaviours including handwashing with soap, safe latrine use and safe water handling, while encouraging children to become agents of change in their homes and communities. Environmental clubs and the“A Child, A Tree” initiative connect learning with practical climate action. In Kitui, Dorcas has supported 159 schools through this approach in Kitui South and Moyale sub-counties and planted more than 75,000 trees. Dorcas also works with stakeholders to strengthen child protection structures, raise awareness of child rights and support children’s assemblies, giving children opportunities to understand their rights, express their views and participate in matters that affect them.