Across Africa, an estimated 50 million children have been orphaned or abandoned, leaving many without the stability, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. In Kenya, as throughout much of Africa, children and young people represent a significant portion of the population. While many vulnerable children face poverty, displacement, neglect, and uncertainty about their future, they also possess tremendous potential, resilience, and hope.
The Children and Youth Empowerment Centre (CYEC) is committed to helping vulnerable children and young people overcome difficult circumstances and build brighter futures. Through residential care, education, vocational training, and comprehensive support services, the Centre works with children as young as six years old through young adulthood. Its goal is not simply to meet immediate needs, but to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and character necessary to live fulfilling and productive lives and make meaningful contributions to their families and communities.
CYEC provides a holistic range of programs designed to address the physical, emotional, educational, social, and economic needs of the children it serves. These programs include access to a medical clinic, psychosocial and emotional support, academic education, vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and life-skills education. Children are also given opportunities to participate in sports, the arts, and activities such as a nature club, allowing them to develop their creativity, discover their abilities, build self-confidence, and experience the joy of childhood.
Education and economic empowerment are central to the Centre’s approach. In addition to academic and vocational programs, CYEC provides gender-sensitive training in entrepreneurship and life skills. Special emphasis is placed on empowering girls and young women through education, leadership development, economic opportunities, and practical skills. When girls are equipped with education and the ability to become economically independent, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. Empowered young women are better positioned to build healthy families, strengthen their communities, and contribute to the long-term social and economic development of their nations.
The Centre also recognizes that sustainable change requires collaboration. CYEC works alongside civic organizations, universities, private-sector partners, and other community stakeholders to develop innovative and sustainable models for the care, education, rehabilitation, and empowerment of street-connected and vulnerable children. These partnerships help identify effective solutions to the complex challenges facing young people while creating opportunities for education, employment, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and community integration.
Ultimately, the mission of the Children and Youth Empowerment Centre is to help vulnerable children move beyond survival toward opportunity. By providing a safe environment, quality education, healthcare, emotional support, vocational preparation, and pathways to economic independence, the Centre is helping young people recognize their value and realize their God-given potential. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, dream, and become a healthy, productive, and contributing member of society.