Child Space Organization (CSO) is a legally registered non-profit social service organization in Kenya under the Ministry of East Africa Community, Labour and Social Protection the Department of Social Development office in Nairobi Kenya. The registration number RUA/CBO/5/4/2018/0062
this program is to ensure that young people are in a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system. Sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental human right as well as human development issue that states must strive to fulfill.
The mental health needs of children and adolescents in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) have been neglected, leading to a serious mental health gap. The mental health care needs of young people are not acknowledged, and when they are, there are insufficient numbers of professionals trained to provide such care.
For Prevention of HIV/AIDS, Drugs and Substance Abuse and Multiple Social Vices in a given society. The application of Skills-Based Health Education, in particular life skills, to areas such as Teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS prevention, Reproductive Health, Gender Based Violence, Drugs and Substance Abuse is becoming increasingly widespread.
Definition: In practice, Safeguarding is the policies and practices that schools and governing bodies employ to keep children safe and promote their well-being. While Child Protection is a term used to describe the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
The well-being of children and families is impossible without Sustainable, Equitable access to clean water, dignified sanitation and appropriate hygiene behaviours.
In every aspect of life, people need specific trainings for efficiency. We therefore focus on Behaviour Change Process for Teachers, and at the same time building their Capacity on effective facilitation of Behaviour Formation and Behaviour Change Process for children in their Schools.
This is a mentorship and Life Coaching programme for Children where Children’s Rights, Peer Education, Talent Development and Career Guidance/Choices are emphasized.
Every Child has a hidden talent but unfortunately, not many live to explore. We consistently give all that signs up for our talents development programme equal opportunities to explore their potentials. From Dance, Music, Art, contortion, Modelling and Chess and much more are nurture at our community talents hub.
Our Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) program is dedicated to ensuring that young people achieve complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters related to their reproductive health. SRHR is not only a fundamental human right but also a key aspect of human development that states must actively uphold.
Kenya, as a state party to various international and regional human rights instruments, is committed to guaranteeing sexual and reproductive health rights. Additionally, the Constitution of Kenya 2010 explicitly guarantees the right to healthcare, including reproductive health services, marking a significant step toward ensuring these rights for all.
As part of our commitment to SRHR, we have been running the #ConfidenceinRed campaign, which focuses on providing sanitary pads to girls in need. Through our Pad Bank, we distribute pads to girls on a monthly basis to over 300 girls, helping to alleviate the burden of period poverty. This initiative has empowered young girls, ensuring they can manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.
As we address the period-poverty, we are not only supporting girls’ health but also enhancing their education and overall well-being. This we do with support from our partner Rain Workers under the EMPOWERNET project.
Children and adolescents in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) face a significant mental health care gap due to limited access to services.
The mental health landscape for children and adolescents in Kenya presents significant challenges, with recent data highlighting concerning trends. A report by the National Council for Population and Development reveals that 13% of Kenyan adolescents suffer from anxiety and depression, and 4% harbor suicidal thoughts.
High Mental Health Burden – 55% of adolescents suffer from mental health-related issues, including anxiety, substance abuse, and exposure to abuse (Kenya Adolescent Health Survey).
Mental Disorders in Children – 37.7% of upper primary school children show symptoms of mental disorders, with somatic complaints (29.6%), affective disorders (14.1%), and conduct disorder (12.5%) (PubMed).
Addressing this crisis requires increased investment in mental health services, policy development, and expansion of the mental health workforce.
Since the year 2022, the Child Space Organization has been organizing mental health camps for children aged 6–17 years in Korogocho Slum, Nairobi, during school holidays. Using various screening and assessment tools, our team of psychologists has identified children in need of medical intervention and successfully referred them for treatment. Through our partnership with the Nairobi City County Government, these interventions continue to make a meaningful impact in underserved communities, ensuring that children receive the mental health support they need.
Parenting teenagers is a dynamic and evolving journey that requires patience, understanding, and strategic engagement. The PARENTS + program is designed to equip parents and guardians with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to nurture strong, positive relationships with their teenage children while maintaining firm guidance and influence in their lives.
Key Focus Areas of the Program
Understanding and Connecting with Teenagers
Exploring teenage development – physical, emotional, and cognitive changes
Bridging the generational gap to foster mutual trust and respect
Recognizing and responding to teenage emotions and challenges
Encouraging and Actively Listening to Teenagers
Building a safe space for open and honest conversations
Developing empathy and active listening skills
Overcoming communication barriers and decoding unspoken messages
Setting Clear Rules, Boundaries, and Expectations
Establishing age-appropriate guidelines and responsibilities
Balancing authority with warmth to promote cooperation
Addressing resistance and ensuring consistency in enforcement
Instilling Responsibility and Accountability
Encouraging independence and decision-making skills
Teaching problem-solving and critical thinking
Assigning household duties and financial literacy for teenagers
Discipline, Conflict Resolution, and Problem-Solving
Understanding positive discipline versus punishment
Managing teenage rebellion and resistance effectively
Conflict de-escalation techniques and negotiation strategies
Navigating Peer Pressure, Technology, and Social Media Influence
Helping teenagers make wise choices regarding friendships and peer influence
Understanding the impact of social media on self-esteem and mental health
Creating healthy screen time habits and digital responsibility
Empowering Parents as Role Models and Mentors
Strengthening parental confidence and self-care strategies
Reinforcing values, ethics, and emotional intelligence
Enhancing resilience and adaptability in parenting
WE integrate scientifically-backed principles of effective communication, emotional intelligence, and behavioural psychology,
PARENTS+ ensures that parents are well-equipped to guide their teenagers toward a healthy, responsible, and fulfilling adulthood. Through workshops, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, we empower parents to connect, communicate, and positively influence their teenage children in today’s ever-evolving world.
Skills-Based Health Education (SBHE) is emerging as a game-changer in tackling HIV/AIDS, drug and substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, and other social vices. Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on knowledge, SBHE equips individuals, especially children and adolescents with practical life skills to make informed decisions and resist negative influences.
Health challenges in youth often stem from peer pressure, cultural norms, abusive relationships, and risky behaviors. Simply knowing the dangers of HIV/AIDS or drug abuse isn’t enough – young people need critical thinking, communication, self-awareness, and decision-making skills to navigate these risks effectively.
Evidence shows that a skills-based approach is far more effective in shaping behavior and promoting healthier lifestyles than knowledge-based education alone. By integrating real-life scenarios, interactive learning, and empowerment strategies, SBHE helps build resilient, informed, and responsible individuals, ultimately creating safer and healthier communities.
Definition: In practice, Safeguarding is the policies and practices that schools and governing bodies employ to keep children safe and promote their well-being. While Child Protection is a term used to describe the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Child Space Organization being a committed Organization to Holistic Child Development, we implement this through an evidence-based approach on Drugs and Substance Abuse – Early Prevention of Drugs and Substance use among young people.
Prevention of Violence Against Children (PVAC)
In every aspect of life, individuals require specialized training to enhance their skills and efficiency. At the heart of our mission, we focus on Training and Capacity Building to equip educators with the necessary tools to effectively guide children through the Behaviour Change Process.
Our approach is twofold
Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the values, attitudes, and behaviours of young learners. Our training enhances their capacity to facilitate behaviour formation and transformation, ensuring that children develop positive social, emotional, and ethical behaviours. Through this, we empower teachers to create supportive, inclusive, and disciplined learning environments that nurture holistic child development.
Smart Children Clubs is our flagship mentorship and life coaching program designed for children aged 6 to 17 years. This initiative focuses on Children’s Rights, Peer Education, Talent Development, and Career Guidance, equipping young minds with essential life skills for a brighter future.
We run the program weekly from January to December, culminating in a graduation ceremony where participants receive certificates. Since its inception in 2019, we have successfully graduated over 100 children every year, making a lasting impact on their lives.
This program has been a tremendous success, fostering confidence, leadership, and personal growth among our young participants. Through Smart Children Clubs, we continue to inspire and empower the next generation!
