Globally, 1 in 9 children have experienced sexual violence past year (WHO).
But in Kenya and Zambia, the rates are even higher due to a lack of knowledge about body autonomy, a persistent culture of victim-blaming, and cultural taboo silencing sexual abuse. Ageist, and sexist cultural practices, myths, and beliefs continue to perpetuate violence against children. Experiencing child sexual abuse can result in traumatic health consequences for millions of children in Kenya and Zambia. This is a devastating reality, but there is hope. Freely in Hope provides education, resources, and community trainings that prevent child sexual abuse.
Here are resources that can help you protect children in your community.
Pendo’s Power
Pendo’s Power is a children’s book that empowers children to protect themselves and their friends! Geared toward children ages 4-10, Pendo’s Power teaches age-appropriate concepts about consent, body safety, and the power of their voice!
parent & caregivers guide
Pendo’s Power is written with the hope that through open, consistent, and transparent conversations, children will be able to understand and articulate the concepts of consent, bodily integrity, and trust. We wrote this companion guide to help parents and caregivers have open conversations with children and explore the key messages of Pendo’s story.
Teacher’s Curriulum
The “Pendo’s Power Curriculum” is a set of instructional lesson plans designed to educate children about body safety. Aligned with the Common Core and Social-Emotional Learning standards, these engaging lessons empower children with essential life skills and values, promoting self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and an understanding of consent and body autonomy. Through interactive activities, this curriculum fosters empathy, responsible decision-making, and a foundation for lifelong expression.
together, we can build a future where every child is safe
Every year, Freely in Hope provides body safety training for over 3,000 children across Kenya and Zambia. When you donate to Freely in Hope, you are helping us equip communities to prevent child sexual abuse.
Want to partner with us?
Contact us to bring Pendo’s Power or a child protection training to your school, spiritual community, or organization!
nikole@freelyinhope.org
