Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire

-William Butler Yeats

Education is an incredibly powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty that exists in Kenya. When a young person gains knowledge and practical skills, they’re empowered to find work or even launch their own businesses, giving them financial independence. This doesn't just change their lives; it can also uplift their future families and communities, creating a positive ripple effect.

Primary School

The children in our care attend can preschool before beginning their education at the local primary school from the age of 6. Too Little Children often sponsors at-risk kids long before the decision is made for them to live at the home full-time. Once at Jemo House, every child's learning journey is fully supported. This includes providing vital items like a mandatory school uniform, all their stationary supplies, and even toilet paper, because the local school sadly lacks the resources to cover even these most basic provisions. The proximity of the local school allows us to work closely with the children’s’ teachers so we can be supportive during this formative time.

Secondary School

Secondary school (high school) in Kenya is usually a boarding school experience. We're currently supporting nine students across three different secondary schools. To help ease the transition and maintain family connections, we ensure that all siblings attend the same school. These schools are located close by, making it easy for our house moms to visit frequently and keep those bonds strong.

It's always a joyful, noisy time when our secondary school students come back to Jemo House for the school holidays, reuniting with their extended family. Every term, we're always amazed to see who's had the biggest growth spurt!

  • College

    We're committed to providing the best academic opportunities for our young people, offering scholarships to support their college pursuits. After successfully graduating high school (secondary school), ten of our students have embarked on a diverse range of university courses, including nursing, electrical engineering, and business studies.

  • Technical School

    For those preferring a vocational path, our young people can attend a technical schools. Through this support, students have successfully pursued courses ranging from photography to electrical engineering. We're proud to see the tangible results: one of our young men now owns a photography studio in Nairobi, and another is well on his way to building a successful music and videography enterprise.

  • Business Enterprises

    Addressing the significant youth unemployment in Kenya, Too Little Children provides mentoring and business startup funding for our young entrepreneurs. We're proud to support ventures like a photography studio, a music and videography business, and several snack stands, with exciting future plans for a gaming cafe and juice bar.

Mentoring helps young people feel like they belong and helps them discover who they are. This kind of support is incredibly important to people who have had mentors. Mentoring programs also have a big positive effect on mental health, helping to reduce symptoms of depression and improve relationships with others.

The support mentors give, both emotionally and practically, directly leads to young people doing better in school, their personal lives, and their careers. Young people who have faced tough times and had a mentor are also much more likely to volunteer in their community and take on leadership roles. Ultimately, mentoring gives young people the drive to succeed, builds their self-esteem, and makes them more emotionally resilient.

Youth Mentoring Program

Our new youth mentoring program is designed to empower young adults as they navigate their futures, whether they're pursuing higher education, undertaking vocational courses at a technical school, or developing their own business startup. Through one-on-one guidance and support, mentors will help these young individuals build confidence, develop essential skills, and overcome challenges on their path to success. Volunteering as a mentor offers a uniquely rewarding experience; you'll gain immense satisfaction from making a tangible difference in a young person's life, enhance your leadership and communication skills, and contribute positively to your community. We are seeking dedicated volunteers who can commit just one hour per week to mentor a young adult and help them unlock their full potential. If you're ready to inspire the next generation, please consider joining our program.

The Challenge For Young People In Kenya

Kenya is grappling with a significant crisis concerning its youth. There are approximately 3 million orphaned children, with an additional 700 children becoming orphans daily, largely due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Poverty is widespread, affecting around 18.5 million Kenyans.

The absence of parental guidance, combined with poverty and the impact of HIV/AIDS, can create a cycle of hardship that passes from one generation to the next. Mentoring is so important. It's more than just individual support; it's a strategic, long-term solution designed to break this deep-rooted cycle by empowering young people to imagine and achieve much brighter and more successful futures.

The Importance Of Mentoring

Stay Updated!

Subscribe To Our TLC Newsletter