Michael Odero

Rafiki Mwema

A simple, rented house in Kenya was where it all began. In 2011, our doors opened for girls who were victims of sexual abuse and needed refuge while their cases went through the courts. We called our home Rafiki Mwema, which means "loyal friend" in Swahili. Within a week we were caring for 22 girls. Since then, we've grown to four homes and 70 children, who we therapeutically parent on the safety of a secure property. We also support every child who has returned to a caring home in their community with regular visits until they turn 18, to make sure they are safe, cared for and going to school. Our mission is to heal each child from their trauma with attachment, love and empathy. Our key workers use an Attachment Play Program, a specialised way of caring for children who have suffered significant trauma. We work with families, schools, villages and government to break the cycle of abuse and bring about systemic cultural change to remove the stigma of sexual abuse that sadly is far too common in Kenya. An incredible amount of work goes on behind the scenes at Rafiki Mwema to heal, protect and gain justice for our children. If you'd like to contribute to genuine transformation, please consider supporting Rafiki Mwema - and give children the chance to live as children should.