Children who are 3, 4 and 5 years old can begin attending activities at a Compassion child development center in their neighborhood. Child development centers are organized and run by Compassion’s church partners. Each center has a project director, hired by the church, who oversees the program. A team of tutors and volunteers lead the activities and get to know each child.
Poverty is not only an economic issue – it affects the way children see themselves and the world. It affects their physical, mental, socio-emotional and spiritual health. Compassion’s program in Kenya addresses every one of these areas, encouraging a biblical understanding of God’s love and care for each person. When children attend a child development center, they are known, loved and protected. They are treated with dignity and encouraged to dream, play, learn and grow holistically. We are committed to helping children grow in confidence, so they can learn, set goals, and move toward a future and a life free from poverty.
Each center determines the logistics of the program based on their context and the needs in their community. They determine the best time to register new children and the frequency and schedule of activities. At every center, though, children experience the love of Jesus, relationships with caring adults, food, programming (curriculum, games, tutoring), and additional interventions based on local needs, such as mosquito-nets, vaccinations or dental campaigns.
This program focuses on the most vibrant stage of child development. It seeks to provide them with a safe and loving home, church, school, and community environment for their holistic development.
Compassion Kenya provides financial resources that assist church partners in their ministry to children. These funds help cover the cost of materials for teaching the curriculum, leading developmentally appropriate activities, preparing snacks or meals at the center, medical checkups, educational support, such as school supplies, uniforms and fees, and meeting critical needs. When we invest in the holistic development of children, we set a course for the future of our nation… and we believe that future is bright.