PROJECTS | Kenya (Wema) | Empowerment and Livelihoods of Sexually Abused and Exploited Children

This project provides a sense of hope for women and children who have suffered sexual abuse and exploitation for much of their lives.  Wema’s outreach workers are in daily contact with children in the community, particularly girls involved in, or at risk of entering, Mombasa’s growing sex industry.  These children are informed of their rights, told how to seek help and protection, and encouraged to visit Wema’s centrally based 24-hour Rescue Centre for further support and advice.  The centre offers temporary shelter and rehabilitation services while working to reunite children with their families or refer them to trusted and well-vetted long-term residential care.  At the centre, their basic needs are met through provision of nutritious food, washing facilities, clean clothing, psychosocial support and recreational activities.  Basic healthcare services are provided and any children requiring specialised treatment are referred to local hospitals. 

With appropriate support children are encouraged to attend school.  This may involve remedial classes to prepare them for (re)introduction into formal education, supplementary tuition for any children needing help with school work, material support such as uniforms and school materials, or livelihoods support for their families.  For older children who are unable or unwilling to attend school, Wema offers vocational training courses such as tailoring and cookery, which are linked to viable income generating activities.  These courses provide them with the practical and vocational skills they need to find legitimate work and become self-reliant.

Wema also runs a number of advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about child sex work and encourage local community leaders and institutions (police, judiciary, schools and local service providers) to increase their involvement and responsibility in preventing the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable children.