By Tim Dagori Muiruri
Board Chair, Kipepeo Safe Space
The end of 2023 and the dawn of 2024 is not only a time for reflection but also an opportunity to share the remarkable journey of our organisation, express our gratitude, and unveil our aspirations for the year.
About Kipepeo Safe space
Kipepeo, as many of you know, is a registered NGO that was born out of a profound realisation and a deep commitment to making a difference. Our journey began in the vibrant community of Kware Slums in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, Kenya. It was there that our founder and Executive Director, Beatrice Nyariara, recognized the formidable challenges that children in informal settlements face. Obstacles that were hindering their potential to acquire essential skills and nurture their talents. What saddened Beatrice the most was the stark lack of access to educational and recreational resources for these children. This deficiency left them vulnerable to negative influences, including substance abuse, sex work, and criminal activities prevalent in their community. The schools in Ongata Rongai are strained, making it difficult for the children in Kware Slums to access quality education, further exacerbating the existing gaps. Faced with this pressing need, Beatrice, supported by her family and friends, embarked on a mission to bridge these gaps and opened the doors to Kipepeo’s first space in February 2021. Read Beatrice’s Interview.
2023 Snapshot
Our achievements so far are a testament to the dedication of our remarkable team and the unwavering support from our stakeholders. To date, 2,576 children have visited our space, with 1,351 being girls and 1,225 boys, representing a median of 81 visitors a day. The journey we’ve undertaken has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but it’s the latter that has been the driving force behind our mission. We’ve seen children blossom academically and personally in our safe space, gaining not just educational skills but also life skills that will serve them well in the years to come. Read 2023 Report.
As we enter 2024, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every stakeholder, supporter, donor, volunteer, and well-wisher who has contributed to our journey. Your belief in our mission propels us forward. Your support has helped us create a positive impact in the lives of many, and we are deeply thankful for that.
A Look Ahead
I am immensely proud of the strides we’ve made in providing a safe haven for underprivileged children and youth in informal settlements to thrive, learn, and develop crucial life skills. Looking ahead to 2024, our aspirations for Kipepeo are ambitious and full of hope. We envision a Kenya where every child has the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances, and 2024 promises to be an exciting chapter in Kipepeo’s journey as we aim to expand our impact and elevate our services to better serve our community.
Employing Full-Time Staff
One of the significant plans for 2024 is to hire at least 3 full-time paid personnel. This step is crucial in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of our programs. Our volunteers have accomplished incredible feats, but to reach more children and deepen our impact, we need to strengthen our workforce. We intend to bolster our team with passionate and skilled professionals who will dedicate their time and expertise to nurturing and supporting our beneficiaries, full-time.
Expanding and Revamping our Space
The overwhelming demand for our services calls for a purpose-built facility. We’re embarking on an exciting journey to revamp and expand our current space, ensuring it caters to the growing number of children seeking refuge and opportunities.
Launching a Social Enterprise
Additionally, we are thrilled to announce a new and innovative project that will drive sustainability for Kipepeo. In 2024, we plan to open a social enterprise – a community internet cafe and co-working space. This initiative will not only contribute to our financial sustainability but will also create a unique offering that the Kware community is in dire need of, particularly in the dynamic digital world we live in.This social enterprise will offer a space where paid members can utilise services between 7 AM and 1 PM while the children are in school.
Introducing a Basic Digital Literacy Program
We recognize the importance of digital literacy in today’s world. Hence, we’re initiating a program aimed at equipping our children and youth with fundamental digital skills essential for their future success.
Sanitary Pads Bank
Our Girls’ Wellness Sessions in 2023 revealed a distressing reality: many of our girls lack access to sanitary pads. This vulnerability exposes them to exploitation, as some individuals use the promise of pads to manipulate them into compromising situations. In response, we are launching a sanitary pads bank to ensure these girls have essential menstrual hygiene products.
These plans reflect our unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing environment where every child feels empowered to learn, play, and grow. However, we cannot achieve these milestones without your continued support and involvement. Your contributions, whether through volunteering, donations, or advocacy, are integral to realising these aspirations.
Join us on this incredible journey and together, let’s build a brighter future for our community’s children and youth. Let’s make 2024 a year of profound impact and growth for Kipepeo.
Wishing you all a prosperous and fulfilling 2024!
Best,
TDM.
