Kenya Big Dream

Empowering Kenyan girls to know they’re worthy.

God created every child, including every girl and boy in Kenya, to experience life in all its fullness. Yet the future for so many children in Kenya is at risk today because of harmful cultural practices that persist due to poverty and lack of education.

In many cultures, female genital mutilation (FGM)—also known as cutting—symbolizes the transition to womanhood and is a harmful practice carried out on girls often between the ages 10 to 14 and as young as eight. In areas of Kenya, it’s often a precursor to child marriage and the end of their education.

At least 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to FGM, including 4 million in Kenya alone.

The Kenya Big Dream is a holistic and proven approach to help eradicate child marriage and FGM.

• Tradition equates the cut with womanhood but through our work with community leaders we invite girls and boys to participate in coming-of-age ceremonies to safely replace FGM as a rite of passage.
• Families need daughter’s bride price but through our work families are empowered through new income generating opportunities to become resilient and financially stable.
• Girls’ education isn’t prioritized but through our work children are empowered through education, giving girls and boys the chance to reach their full God-given potential.

“In 1999, the prevalence rate of FGM was over 95% in Chepareria area of West Pokot. Today, it’s less than 10%.” — Moses Chepkonga, Program Manager Kenya Big Dream

Empowering communities to protect children

World Vision’s sustainable community development approach is shifting attitudes and actions to better protect children. Cultural values around marriage, education, finances, and family are being transformed with everyone contributing to the effort.

 

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If you haven’t already, watch World Vision’s Messania’s Story, an award-winning short film created to invite you into the life of someone who is a powerful voice for the Kenya Big Dream.

“Timely, brilliant and unforgettable. A chronicle of discovery and personal growth in a hostile world!” —RIIFF Judge Committee