Project Title: Pendo’s Power: Survivor-Led Child Protection for Safer Schools in Kenya

Location: Africa → Kenya

Grant Amount: $50,000

Grantee Website: freelyinhope.org

Mission of Freely In Hope
The mission of Freely in Hope is to end sexual violence in Kenya, Zambia, and globally by equipping survivors and advocates with the tools, resources, and support they need to take the lead in breaking the cycle of abuse.

Summary
This grant will fund Freely In Hope’s “Pendo’s Power” program which is a trauma-informed, play-based child protection program that equips girls ages 4–12 and their support networks to recognize, prevent, and respond to sexual violence. Co-designed and facilitated by survivors of sexual abuse, the program uses age-appropriate workshops grounded in storytelling, music, games, and role-play to make learning engaging and culturally relevant.

Why We Love This
We love this project because it places survivors at the center — as designers, facilitators, and leaders — ensuring the program is grounded in lived experience and local trust. It empowers young girls with the knowledge and tools to recognize and prevent abuse, while also equipping educators and caregivers to build safer, more informed environments. The play-based, culturally relevant approach makes a sensitive topic accessible and engaging, especially for marginalized girls in informal settlements. Most importantly, the program is designed for long-term sustainability, embedding skills and practices within schools and communities so protection continues well beyond the grant period.