Programs

Introduction

At Empower Girls Plus Association, we envision a Kenya where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our holistic approach addresses the complex challenges facing youth today, particularly young women, as they pursue quality education and sustainable livelihoods. Through four interconnected pillars of support, we’re building a foundation for lasting change in communities across Kenya.

Education: Opening Doors to Opportunity

Breaking down financial barriers to education remains one of our core missions. Our comprehensive education programs go beyond just paying school fees – we create lasting impact by:

– Providing full educational support including tuition, books, and essential supplies through or sponsorship program

– Ensuring continuous mentoring and academic guidance through our mentorship programs

– Supporting mental and physical well being through our arts and sports programs

– Ensuring sustainability through our vocational programs that are integrated within educative policies

– Celebrating milestones and achievements

Health & Development: Nurturing Resilience, Inspiring Change

At the heart of sustainable community development lies the fundamental right to health and wellbeing. Our integrated health programs focus on critical areas that impact communities across the developing world, taking a holistic approach to healthcare access, education, and infrastructure. From promoting sexual and reproductive health rights to combating tropical diseases and ensuring clean water and sanitation, we work to create resilient, thriving communities where everyone can lead healthy, productive lives. Our main health pillars are as follows: –

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR)

We believe that everyone has the right to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Our SRHR initiatives focus on:

– Comprehensive sexuality education for adolescents and young adults

– Access to quality family planning services and contraception

– Maternal and child health support

– Prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections

– Advocacy for gender-responsive health policies

– Support services for survivors of gender-based violence

Mental Health

Mental health is an essential yet often overlooked component of overall wellbeing. Our mental health programs provide:

– Community-based mental health support systems

– Training for local healthcare workers in basic mental health care

– Support groups and counselling services

– Mental health awareness and destigmatization campaigns

– Crisis intervention services

– Integration of mental health services into primary healthcare

Tropical Diseases

We work to combat preventable tropical diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations through:

– Early detection and treatment programs

– Vector control initiatives

– Community health worker training

– Disease surveillance and monitoring

– Preventive medication distribution

– Research partnerships with local health institutions

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Clean water and proper sanitation are fundamental to public health. Our WASH program encompasses:

Water Access

– Construction and rehabilitation of water points

– Water quality testing and monitoring

– Community-based water management systems

– Sustainable water source development

Sanitation

– Improved latrine construction

– Community-led total sanitation initiatives

– Waste management systems

– School sanitation facilities

Hygiene Promotion

– Handwashing campaigns

– Menstrual hygiene management

– Hygiene education in schools

– Behaviour change communication

Civic Engagement & Human Rights: Rights Realized, Communities Transformed

At the core of sustainable community development is the empowerment of individuals and groups to actively engage with institutions, advocate for their rights, and shape the decisions that impact their lives. Our civic engagement and rights programs focus on four key areas:

Advocacy

We work to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and support them in advocating for policy changes, improved service delivery, and greater accountability from duty bearers. Our advocacy initiatives include:

Training community members in advocacy and lobbying skills
Facilitating dialogues between rights-holders and duty-bearers
Partnering with civil society organizations to collectively champion policy reforms
Conducting public awareness campaigns on critical issues

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)

Gender-based violence is a pervasive human rights violation that devastates individuals, families, and communities. Our SGBV programs aim to prevent and respond to SGBV through:

Community-based prevention and awareness activities
Strengthening the capacity of service providers to offer quality, survivor-centered support
Establishing safe spaces and psychosocial support services for SGBV survivors
Coordinating with law enforcement and the justice system to ensure access to justice

Referrals and Linkages

To ensure holistic support for community members, we have established comprehensive referral mechanisms that link individuals to relevant services and resources. This includes:

Mapping available health, legal, social, and economic services in target areas
Training frontline workers on effective referral processes
Developing user-friendly referral guides and directories
Facilitating partnerships between service providers for seamless client transitions

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

In many communities, formal judicial systems can be inaccessible, inefficient, or biased. We promote the use of ADR mechanisms to enable communities to resolve conflicts and access justice through:

Establishing community-based ADR centres
Training local mediators, arbitrators, and adjudicators
Providing legal aid and counselling to community members
Advocating for the integration of ADR into formal justice systems

By empowering individuals and communities to engage with duty bearers, access their rights, and resolve disputes peacefully, we aim to cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive.

Livelihoods & Social Entrepreneurship Development

Sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment are fundamental to community resilience and development. Our integrated programs focus on fostering private-public partnerships, supporting social enterprises, and strengthening SMEs to create inclusive and impactful economic opportunities.

Private-Public Partnerships

Collaboration between the private and public sectors is crucial for driving innovative solutions and leveraging resources for community development. Our private-public partnership initiatives include:

Facilitating dialogues and negotiations between community stakeholders and private sector actors
Developing joint investment and implementation plans for sustainable economic projects
Providing technical assistance and capacity building to partners
Monitoring and evaluating the impact of private-public initiatives

Social Enterprises

Social enterprises are businesses that prioritize social and environmental impact alongside financial sustainability. We support the growth and scalability of social enterprises through:

Incubation and acceleration programs to help early-stage social enterprises refine their business models
Access to patient capital, impact investment, and blended finance mechanisms
Mentorship and coaching from experienced social entrepreneurs and business leaders
Strengthening operational, financial, and impact management capacities
Facilitating market access, supply chain integration, and strategic partnerships

SME Development

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of many local economies. Our SME development initiatives aim to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of SMEs through:

Business management training covering accounting, marketing, HR, and operations
Access to affordable financing through microloans, savings groups, and links to financial institutions
Provision of business development services, including market research and strategic planning
Facilitating peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities
Supporting SMEs to adopt sustainable and inclusive business practices

By fostering private-public collaboration, nurturing social enterprises, and strengthening SMEs, we empower communities to create dignified livelihoods, generate income, and drive sustainable economic growth.

Our Approach

We do not just address challenges—we transform them into opportunities. By weaving together education, inclusion, and mentorship, we create a powerful support system that lifts young people toward their full potential. Our programs are designed to be:

Accessible: Breaking down economic and social barriers
Sustainable: Building skills that last a lifetime
Empowering: Fostering independence and self-reliance
Community-Driven: Rooted in local needs and cultural understanding
Community Engagement: Working closely with local leaders and community members
Capacity Building: Training healthcare workers and community volunteers
Sustainable Solutions: Developing locally-managed and maintained systems
Monitoring & Evaluation: Regular assessment of program impact and effectiveness
Partnership Development: Collaborating with local and international stakeholders
Public-Private Partnerships: Leveraging government and private sector resources
Industry Collaborations: Sector-specific interventions
Development Networks: Knowledge sharing and best practices