It is entering a new seven-year phase of activity
June 2025 – Into the future with commitment, quality and strong partnerships
We are delighted to announce that Heshima Youth Empowerment C.B.O. in Mtwapa, Kenya, has been successfully recertified in June 2025 – for another seven years of sustainable, effective youth and education work. This significant recognition marks an important milestone in the development of the organisation and confirms the consistently high quality of our work on the ground.
The recertification was made possible in part by the long-standing and dedicated support of Heshima-Kinderförderung e.V. from Germany. Together, we are committed to the rights, education and empowerment of children and young people – with heart, mind and perseverance.
What does recertification mean?
Every seven years, Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) in Kenya must undergo an official review to renew their legal and operational recognition. The relevant authorities check, among other things:
- Transparency in administration and accounting
- Efficiency and impact of programmes
- Sustainable development of the organisation
- Compliance with legal standards
- Community involvement
The successful recertification shows that Heshima Youth Empowerment C.B.O. continues to meet all the requirements for high-quality charitable work – and will continue to do so in the long term.
A look back at the past few years
A lot has happened at Heshima Youth Empowerment since the last certification:
- Hundreds of children and young people have taken part in education, empowerment and leisure programmes.
- Safe spaces and psychosocial services have been expanded, especially for girls and boys aged 6-18.
- Vocational training in crafts, IT and entrepreneurship has been introduced.
- Partnerships with schools, authorities and civil society groups have been strengthened.
A particular focus is on the work of the Heshima Rescue Centre – a safe haven for children and young people who are threatened or affected by violence, neglect or abuse. Here, they not only receive protection, but also psychosocial care, education and the chance of a new start in dignity and safety. The work of the Rescue Centre is a central component of the holistic Heshima philosophy and a strong sign against gender-based violence.
All these developments were only possible thanks to the close cooperation with Heshima-Kinderförderung e.V. – the German partner association that has been a loyal supporter for many years, acquiring funding, doing public relations work and promoting exchange between the countries.
The next seven years – visions for the future
With the new certification behind it, Heshima Youth Empowerment C.B.O. in Mtwapa can continue to pursue its strategic goals:
- Expansion of early childhood support for disadvantaged children
- Greater involvement of parents and families in educational processes
- Promoting ecological and sustainable projects, for example in the field of environmental education
- Digitalisation and digital education to open up new perspectives for young people
- Further developing the Rescue Centre to help even more children in acute crisis situations
In addition, work is continuing to not only support young people, but also to actively involve them in shaping their own future.
A strong network makes it possible
We would like to thank everyone involved in this development – the local staff, the volunteers, the young people themselves and, above all, Heshima-Kinderförderung e.V., without whose commitment many of these steps would not have been possible.
Heshima means dignity. The successful recertification shows that it is possible to preserve this dignity for children and young people and to work together to shape a more just future – with reliability, transparency and heart.