Our Stories

The challenges facing children living in the communities we support in Kenya and Tanzania are profound. Poverty, violence, and lack of access to quality education create a cycle that traps many families and communities in hardship. At So They Can, we believe that investing in education, child protection and community development is not just a moral imperative; it’s a pathway to a safer, more prosperous world for everyone.

The Cycle of Poverty

Poverty affects millions of children in sub-Saharan Africa, limiting their access to essential services like healthcare and education. According to UNICEF data from 2021, 40% of children in these regions live in extreme poverty. Lack of resources, support and access to fundamental life essentials often leads to child labour, early marriage, and other forms of exploitation, perpetuating a cycle that is difficult to escape.

The Power of Education

Education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking this cycle. By providing children with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, we can empower them to pursue better opportunities. At So They Can, our Education Program in Kenya and Tanzania focuses on creating safe and reachable learning environments for children. We support our 51 partner schools with access to resources, teacher training and operational support such as school feeding programs and water sources.

Our initiatives have led to increased enrolment rates and improved academic performance in underserved communities — we’ve seen significant progress in student outcomes, demonstrating that access to quality education can indeed change lives. By ensuring children have access to education, we not only help them build brighter futures but also contribute to the overall development of their communities. Learn more about our broad range of education projects, here.

Protecting Children from Harm

Equally important is the aspect of child protection. In many areas of East Africa, children are vulnerable to violence, abuse, and exploitation, such as female genital cutting (FGC) and child labour. In conjunction with our Education Program, So They Can’s Community Development Program raises awareness about children’s rights and promotes safe environments where they can learn, grow and speak freely without fear.

Our team works closely with local leaders, community members and other NGO partners to implement support for parents, caregivers, and the broader community, helping them recognise and understand the importance of protecting children. These initiatives, in particular our Champions’ Network, have fostered a culture of safety and respect, ensuring that every child has the chance to reach their full potential.

Community Engagement, Wellbeing and Empowerment

True change comes from within the community. Our programs not only focus on education and child protection, but equally prioritise engaging the community in the process. By empowering local leaders and parents, we create a sense of ownership and accountability that is crucial for sustainable development.

Through community workshops, stakeholder meetings and our unique medical camps for remote communities, we encourage dialogue about the importance of education and child welfare, while also prioritising the overall wellbeing of a community. These discussions and camps lead to grassroots initiatives and better health, further strengthening support networks for children and their families. Learn more about the success of our medical camps, here.

A Safer Future for All

The work we do at So They Can is driven by the belief that every child deserves a safe environment to live, grow and access quality education. By addressing the interconnected issues of poverty, education, child protection and good health, we can create a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.

Our work in Kenya and Tanzania is already making a huge difference — but we need your support to continue. Together, we can help children escape the grip of poverty and create a brighter future — for all of us.

Join Us…

As we strive to build safer communities through education and child protection, we invite you to join us by giving in a capacity that suits your lifestyle. We have so many ways you can get involved — from giving monthly through sponsorship to fundraising, or joining our 1inaMillion community.

Your support can help change lives, uplift communities, and contribute to a safer world for future generations.