Vision

A society where girls and young women achieve their full potential

Mission

To advance excellence and equity for girls and young women through access to quality education, access to equal economic opportunities and well being.

Millions of children especially girls are out of school globally, limiting their life time earnings

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Safe Community Youth Initiative is an organization transforming the lives of girls and young women who are at risk of dropping out of school.

Why We Exist

In Kenya, poor access to basic needs such as water, food, shelter, and healthcare has significantly contributed to rising school dropout rates, particularly among girls. As the hunger crisis deepens, many girls are forced to leave school to help their families search for food and water. During this time, they are often exposed to sexual exploitation in exchange for necessities like food, sanitary pads, and clothing, leading to teenage pregnancies, HIV infections, and reduced future employment opportunities. Despite government efforts, such as the 2021 initiative to return 250,000 out-of-school children by 2023, dropout rates have increased, with 3.5 million children out of school and dropout rates rising from 7.5% to 8.5%. Teenage pregnancies remain a critical issue, with 250,000 cases reported in 2023 alone. Additionally, over 696 cases of sexual gender-based violence are reported daily among girls aged 10–19. Uncoordinated efforts, harmful cultural practices, and lack of awareness continue to hinder progress in health and education outcomes.

Every donation helps!

IMPACT 2025

15,2260

EDUCATION

5270

LIVELIHOOD

4,4370

LIFE SKILLS

10,2620

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Our Programs

In realizing our vision, the organization is implementing a three throng programnamely; Educattion, Livelihood & Employment and Life Skills. Additionally, we implement two cross-cutting programs on Governance and Climate Justice.

Education Program

The Education Program is dedicated to ensuring that girls and young women remain in school and successfully progress through all levels of education. It addresses common barriers to education by providing essential materials such as textbooks, stationery, school uniforms, and dignity kits containing menstrual hygiene products. These resources help girls attend school consistently and with dignity, reducing absenteeism and dropout rates.

The program’s goal is to promote equal access to quality education by supporting enrollment, retention, and smooth transition from primary to secondary and higher education. Beyond material support, it fosters a supportive learning environment and encourages community involvement to challenge cultural norms that may hinder girls’ education. By empowering girls and young women through education, the program aims to break the cycle of poverty, enhance their confidence, and open pathways to economic independence and leadership. Ultimately, the Education Program seeks to build a foundation for lifelong learning and equal opportunities for every girl and young woman.

Livelihood & Employment Program

The Livelihood & Employment Program empowers girls and young women by equipping them with essential skills to start and manage successful businesses. The program offers training in generating viable business ideas, marketing strategies, digital inclusion, compliance, and record-keeping, ensuring participants are well-prepared for entrepreneurship. Recognizing the financial barriers many face, the program also provides business grants to support young women in launching or expanding decent and sustainable enterprises. These grants help foster economic independence and self-reliance, enabling participants to generate steady incomes and improve their livelihoods. By integrating practical skills with financial support, the program creates opportunities for young women to thrive economically and become role models within their communities. Overall, the Livelihood & Employment Program aims to reduce youth unemployment and gender inequality in the labor market, empowering girls and young women to build resilient futures through entrepreneurship and meaningful work

Life Skills Program

The Life Skills Program empowers girls and young women by developing essential personal and social skills such as self-awareness, interpersonal communication, leadership, advocacy, goal setting, and decision-making. These competencies build confidence, resilience, and self-worth, enabling participants to understand their rights and make informed choices. The program fosters emotional intelligence and helps young women build healthy relationships, communicate assertively, and resist peer pressure. It also encourages leadership and advocacy, motivating them to actively engage in their communities and become change-makers. A vital aspect of the program is preventing sexual exploitation and abuse by equipping participants with the knowledge to identify and respond to risky situations. By providing a safe space for growth and self-expression, the Life Skills Program supports the holistic development of young women, preparing them to lead empowered, independent lives. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of girls and young women.

Climate Justice

The Climate Justice Program focuses on environmental restoration, conservation, and protection, addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change. It engages communities, especially young women, in activities such as tree planting, habitat rehabilitation, and sustainable resource management to preserve ecosystems and promote environmental stewardship. A significant aspect of the program is its focus on enhancing resilient livelihoods through innovative aquaculture practices. By training young women in sustainable fish farming and eco-friendly techniques, the program creates economic opportunities that are both environmentally sustainable and financially viable. These initiatives not only improve food security but also empower young women by providing them with skills and resources to start and manage climate-resilient enterprises. The Climate Justice Program thus integrates environmental conservation with economic empowerment, fostering a greener future while promoting gender equality and enabling young women to play a leading role in building climate-resilient communities.

Governance

The Governance and Advocacy Program is designed to build the capacity of girls and young women to engage meaningfully in governance processes and advocate for their rights. The program trains participants on county planning, budgeting, and development, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and influence public decision-making. Through targeted mentorship and training, girls and young women are empowered to participate in policy development and hold duty bearers accountable.

A key focus of the program is ensuring that young women can influence policymakers to prioritize and allocate resources toward critical areas such as education, economic empowerment, and health. By amplifying their voices and enhancing their civic participation, the program promotes gender-responsive governance and strengthens inclusive development. Ultimately, the Governance and Advocacy Program supports young women in becoming active citizens and leaders who can shape the policies and systems that affect their lives and their communities.

OUR TEAM

BENJAMIN KATANA
C.E.O & FOUNDER

Benjamin , founder of the Safe Community Youth Initiative in Kenya, is a dedicated social entrepreneur focused on empowering vulnerable girls through education, economic empowerment and reproductive health support. Despite personal hardships, he’s impacted thousands by addressing teenage pregnancy and poverty. His community-driven approach promotes gender equality and inspires sustainable change, making him a respected leader in social justice and youth empowerment.

TERRY DAMA
PROGRAMS CO-ORDINATOR

Terry is a Water Resources and Environmental Management graduate with a BSc and over three years of experience in project management. She is passionate about working with girls and young women, promoting sustainable practices, and improving access to resources. Her work focuses on building resilient, self-sufficient communities while advancing empowerment and environmental stewardship.

PENINA MUPA
FINANCE OFFICER

Peninah is a detail-oriented finance professional with a BBM in Banking & Finance and pursuing CPA. With 6+ years’ experience across NGOs and private sector, she excels in financial reporting, budgeting, project accounting, and tax compliance. Skilled in QuickBooks, Power BI, and Excel, she delivers accuracy, efficiency and integrity in financial management.

ASHLEY DAMA
ADMIN

Ashley is an administrative professional skilled in scheduling, data entry, record keeping, and team coordination. With strong organizational and communication abilities, she ensures daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. Her attention to detail, multitasking skills, and commitment to accuracy contribute to the seamless execution of projects and the success of organizational activities.

NEEMA CHIGOGO
M&E OFFICER

Neema is a results-driven Monitoring and Evaluation professional with a Diploma in Community Development and Social Work. She has extensive experience in youth empowerment, education, gender equality, and livelihood programs. Skilled in designing M&E frameworks, conducting surveys, and using tools like Kobo Toolbox and Excel, Purity ensures accuracy, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. Passionate about advancing equity for girls and young women, she provides reliable insights that strengthen program effectiveness and community impact.

FABIAN KATANA
COMMUNICATION MANAGER

Fabian is a Communication and ICT professional dedicated to driving digital solutions, youth leadership, and social impact. With expertise in media, technology, and training, he empowers communities through capacity building, advocacy, and innovative engagement. Passionate about youth development and community empowerment, Fabian blends modern ICT strategies with leadership skills to create inclusive opportunities, strengthen education, and inspire young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

KEVIN MWAMBIRE
COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Kevin Mwambire is a skilled expert in videography and photography, bringing creative visual storytelling to life. He also serves as a dedicated peer educator, playing a dual role in both communication and program support. Kevin uses his media expertise to document project activities, create engaging SRHR content, and amplify youth voices through compelling visuals. His contributions enhance awareness, advocacy, and learning across target communities. As a peer educator, he supports information dissemination, youth engagement, and capacity-building efforts. Kevin’s unique blend of technical and interpersonal skills makes him a valuable asset in driving impactful, youth-led communication and program implementation.

HALIMA DZAME
FIELD OFFICER

Halima, a graduate in Environment, is a dedicated field officer and mental health champion. She works with girls and young women to advance education, empowerment, and well-being. Passionate about mental health awareness and community support, she fosters safe, inclusive spaces that nurture resilience, growth, and holistic development, inspiring stronger, healthier communities.

FATMA SEIF
FIELD OFFICER

Fatma, is a dedicated Community Health professional with expertise in Community Health and HIV/AIDS management. Passionate about sexual and reproductive health, she focuses on empowering underserved communities, especially young girls and women. Through her academic knowledge and practical experience, Fatma works to improve health outcomes, promote awareness, and create inclusive spaces for lasting community impact.

LUVUNO ESTHER
FIELD OFFICER

Esther Luvuno is a passionate community development practitioner and environmental advocate with a Bachelor's degree in Community Development and Environmental Studies from JKUAT. She is committed to empowering marginalized communities and promoting sustainable practices through grassroots and policy-level engagement. Esther has contributed to various local initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and environmental conservation. Her holistic approach recognizes the link between human well-being and environmental sustainability. Known for her leadership, empathy, and hands-on involvement, Esther strives to build inclusive, resilient communities and continues to seek impactful opportunities to drive positive change.