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Introduction
Funded by Lady Brenda Boone from USA, Brenda Boone Hope [Tumaini] Centre
for girls was birthed out of the great need to address the issue of
blatant child abuse experienced in the region. From its community outreaches
for the care and support of children, RI established that many children
especially girls faced sexual and brutal physical abuse mostly from
close relatives, the urgent need for child therapy sessions, counseling
services to some clients and their immediate reinstatement to the community
was in some cases more hazardous as awareness by the victims was a threat
to the perpetrators. This prompted the establishment of the Centre to
cater for the challenges these girls faced.
The myth that sexual intercourse with a virgin is a cure for HIV has
resulted in rape for young girls ranging between 5 to 11 years around
the country and beyond. Due to high poverty levels, the girl child in
the care of HIV positive widowers have been confirmed to be most vulnerable
especially where they are forced to share the same sleeping room with
their fathers. We do not discriminate against girls irrespective of
their HIV status, social-economic background, colour, race, gender or
tribe.
Brenda
Boone - The sponsor of the center - savours
some good moments with the girls
Who
we are
Known as Centre for Hope and healing, Brenda Boone Hope [Tumaini] Centre
is a rescue centre that cares for children who have faced or at constant
risk of sexual abuse, forced child marriage, female genital mutilation,
child labour and severe physical abuse.
Founded on Christian values and principles, the centre is committed
to providing shelter, healing and rehabilitation of abused children
between 0-17years. Launched in September 2006 the centre caters for
the physical, emotional, psychological, medical and spiritual needs
of the sheltered children. Additionally it offers community awareness
outreaches since abuse occurs within a community.
Our care services are provided in the following manner:
SERVICES AT THE CENTRE
1. Rescue and shelter for children who have faced or are at constant
risk of sexual abuse, forced child marriage, female genital mutilation,
child labour and severe physical abuse.
2. Counseling:
- ART therapy
- Play therapy
- Sand tray therapy
- Family and group therapy
3. Legal advice and support
4. Medical support for sexual abuse cases
5. Rehabilitation back to the family
BBHTC
Mission and Vision
BBHTC Vision Statement
To provide rescue and rehabilitation to children who have faced or at
constant risk of sexual abuse, forced child marriage, female genital
mutilation, child labour and severe physical abuse.
BBHTC Mission
Our mission is to:
Create awareness to the public on ways in which they can participate
in protecting rights of children. Provide a shelter for healing in a
safe and positive living environment. Protect and promote the rights
and interests of every child. Restore the physical, social, emotional
and spiritual well being of every child
Objectives
1. To facilitate healing process of children through guidance, counseling
and medical support.
2. To protect children against abuse and neglect both at the centre
and in the community.
3. To facilitate legal advice and support for children and bring justice
4. To provide comprehensive care for children in need of rehabilitation
covering:
-
Awareness and education to caregivers on child protection and care.
- Where necessary, seek alternative caregivers for children.
- Career empowerment to girls to reduce vulnerability by offering vocational
training
- To create a system of continuous assessment of the well being of rehabilitated
children.
Achievements
& Challenges:
Achievements
- Rescue, rehabilitation and support of girls who have faced various forms
of abuse.
- Return of self pride and dignity in girls who otherwise would have lost
hope
- Transfer of life skill through vocational training to semi-literate
girls
- Reduction of the levels of girls vulnerability and abuse
- Awareness campaigns with the community, police, local administration
and parents
Challenges
- Stigmatization in the community
- Need for increased community awareness regarding the centre, as well
as the effects of abuse on girls.
- Facilitation for costs of legal representation of girls who have been
abused
- Delay and frustrations in the legal process. Future
Plans:
- Construction of a rescue centre for girls by 2010.
- Launch of a similar project for boys.
- Create high profile medical and legal consultancy for rescued children
- Strengthen the current income generating activities for sustainable
services to the community |
