About Heshima Youth Empowerment C.B.O.
Heshima Rescue Centre
The main aim of the Heshima Rescue Centre is to provide temporary shelter and protection for children at risk. The centre works closely with local authorities and communities to ensure that the children receive the best possible care:
Return to family or foster care: when safe and possible, children are returned to their families or suitable foster families.
Long-term solutions: In cases where return is not possible, the centre supports the children to find a long-term perspective, be it through care facilities or other suitable solutions.
Heshima Computer School
This project is not only intended to promote digital education, but also to create a sustainable source of income that will benefit the children of Heshima.
Two young, dedicated IT experts have agreed to set up the computer courses and teach them on a voluntary basis in the initial phase.
Heshima Kindergarten
At Heshima Kindergarten, we create a safe and nurturing environment where children can experience a deep sense of security, receive quality education, and develop hope and prospects for their future. Our kindergarten is a place of care, stability, and encouragement—designed to support children during some of the most important stages of their development.
We welcome a unique and diverse group of children. In addition to our rescue children—those who come to us from particularly challenging or vulnerable life circumstances—we also open our doors to children from underprivileged families in the surrounding community. This intentional mix creates a vibrant and inclusive environment where differences are embraced and every child is valued.
Within this community, children learn not only academic and practical skills, but also empathy, respect, and cooperation. They grow up together, learn from one another’s experiences, and build meaningful relationships that strengthen their confidence and sense of belonging. Our educators provide loving guidance, individual attention, and structured support, helping each child to discover their strengths and develop their full potential.
Our goal is to give every child—regardless of their background, past experiences, or life story—the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to offering a stable foundation built on trust, care, and encouragement, empowering children to face the future with confidence and resilience.
Heshima Kindergarten stands for hope, compassion, and unity. We firmly believe that every child is unique, valuable, and full of potential—and that, with the right support, each one can grow to make a positive difference in the world.
Heshima Sewing School
The choice to set up a sewing school was a conscious one: the skill of sewing is highly valued in many regions of Africa and offers a realistic income opportunity. For many of the young people staying at the Heshima Rescue Centre, this represents a real prospect of becoming financially independent and expressing their creativity at the same time.
Participants in the sewing school not only learn how to make and repair clothes, but also basic skills in design, fabric science and the operation of sewing machines. The sewing school currently has three sewing machines, which are used intensively. Heshima also produces its own school clothes, which gives the young people a concrete and tangible goal for their work. The lessons are led by an experienced tailor who places great value on practical and individualised learning methods.
In addition to manual skills, the young people also receive training in entrepreneurial thinking. They learn how to market their products and set up their own small business. This knowledge not only gives them the opportunity to generate an income, but also a sense of pride in their own achievements.
Success stories
The sewing school has already produced a number of success stories. Former participants report how they have improved their lives as a result of what they have learnt. Some of them now run their own tailoring businesses or work in local workshops. The change is not only of a financial nature – many young people also gain self-confidence and a positive self-image through their newly acquired skills.