Child Safeguarding Association of Kenya (CSAK) Set to Launch Alongside Other Founders Including Bridge International Academies

In the pursuit of creating safer and healthier communities, the Child Safeguarding Association of Kenya (CSAK) is poised to make a groundbreaking impact with its grand launch on January 31, 2024, at the prestigious Sarova Panafric.

CSAK’s vision is crystal clear: to create communities free from child abuse—a noble mission championed by a coalition of like-minded organizations. Bridge International Academies, standing shoulder to shoulder with other founders like Ujamaa Africa, Mtoto News, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and Plan International, is playing a vital role in this transformative initiative.

The event promises a rich agenda, featuring insights from CSAK’s diverse founding members. These pioneers, each bringing unique perspectives and strengths to the table, will collectively address the urgent need to tackle child safeguarding issues across Kenya.

Distinguished speakers will deliver a keynote address, providing profound insights into the pivotal role of child safeguarding in our communities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in a dynamic panel discussion, exploring challenges and solutions surrounding child safeguarding.

The alarming statistics on child safeguarding issues in Kenya underscore the urgency of CSAK’s mission. The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) reported a significant number of sexual abuse cases involving teachers, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive child safeguarding measures.

Between 2014 and 2019, an average of 125 teachers per year were dismissed for sexual abuse, revealing a distressing pattern. According to Equality Now Every year, over 400 million children around the world are exposed to child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA)

Bullying another form of child abuse remains prevalent in schools in the 21st century, and it is essential to put measures in place to prevent it.

According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Educational Statistics in 2019, different forms of bullying have affected students. The impacts of bullying are not limited to the physical harm it causes but also have significant emotional effects on children, leading to low self-esteem and academic underperformance.

Grace Kerubo, an alumnus of Bridge International Academies, was bullied in her previous schools for being a slow learner and her appearance, leading to depression and low self-esteem. She later transferred to Bridge, where she thrived academically and rediscovered her true potential.

Within a term Grace was way ahead of her peers and the once labelled ‘dumb child’ was now recognized as one of the excellent students while at Bridge International Academies. She later sat for her KCPE exams and scored 400 marks. CSAK’s dedication to providing best practice principles for safeguarding children aligns perfectly with the need for a collective effort to combat this deeply troubling issue.

As a founding member, Bridge International Academies is elated to be part of this effort. Since opening its first school in Mukuru Kwa Njenga in 2009, Bridge has been passionately committed to providing life-changing education across 30 counties.

For Bridge, education is not just about academics; it’s about creating a safe and nurturing environment where every child can emotionally thrive. This launch is not just a milestone; it’s a reaffirmation of Bridge’s deep commitment to holistic education and child well-being.

CSAK’s comprehensive approach to child safeguarding, including initiating a national conversation, advocating for excellence, and fortifying legal and policy frameworks, holds the promise of transformative change in Kenyan society. The alliance aims to address not only the challenges within schools but also the prevalent issue of child abuse within communities.

The CSAK launch, with Bridge and other founding members, marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards creating safer communities for children. As we unite to address the critical issue of child safeguarding in Kenya, the collaboration between CSAK, Bridge International Academies, and other organisations embodies a shared commitment to building a brighter and more secure future for the nation’s youth.

Let’s come together on January 31st and be part of this transformative initiative. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of Kenya’s children, ensuring they grow up in an environment filled with love and protection. You can join us virtually via this link