Meet Our Alumni

In 2023, we directly impacted over 6,000 people with programs and resources that empower survivors and end sexual violence worldwide! But we didn’t start here…

In 2023, we directly impacted over 6,000 people with programs and resources that empower survivors and end sexual violence worldwide! But we didn’t start here…

Idah is a passionate about the power of speaking of speaking out. She grew up in Lusaka Zambia. She is a survivor and a Freely in Hope scholar pursuing a bachelor’s degree in law.

Ann, a high school student and scholarship participant from Zambia grew up in an abusive environment. Despite having experienced such a harsh reality, pursuing education through Freely in Hope became her haven.

At Freely in Hope, creating safe spaces for children is at the heart of our mission to prevent sexual abuse and foster safety for communities. In Kenya and Zambia, we recently launched groundbreaking Child Protection Programs equipping faith leaders with the tools and resources to protect children from harm and foster environments where they can thrive.

Elizabeth, a high school student, and Freely in Hope Scholar grew up in Lusaka, Zambia, in a family of four. At nine years old, Elizabeth faced sexual violence at the hands of her step father.

A few weeks ago, we hosted Reflecting Light: Freely in Hope’s 14th Anniversary Gala that brought together supporters, advocates, and changemakers to highlight the vital work of Freely in Hope.

As an aspiring teacher, I feel equipped with knowledge of how I can help my students who have experienced trauma.

In 2023, we directly impacted over 6,000 people with programs and resources that empower survivors and end sexual violence worldwide! But we didn’t start here…

In 2023, we directly impacted over 6,000 people with programs and resources that empower survivors and end sexual violence worldwide! But we didn’t start here—14 years ago, we began by listening to the dreams of one survivor in Kenya and one survivor in Zambia.

My ultimate dream is to open a safe home for girls who have been rescued from prostitution, are at risk of being sexually abused, and have no one to fight for them. This home will be filled with hope, faith, and love for dreams to be restored so that they are able to go to school, just as I have.

Serving as Freely in Hope’s Program & Partnerships Director, Lydia coordinates, designs, and implements programs that exemplify best practices on ending the cycle of sexual violence. Lydia is also on the Brave Movement Global Survivor Council.

Every year, Freely In Hope hosts a four-day retreat for the scholars in Kenya and Zambia. Get a sneak peek into what we learned with each other!

Maryanne’s story is one of courage, resilience, and hope. As Freely in Hope’s Child Protection Program Coordinator, Maryanne leads sexual abuse prevention programs across Kenya. She equips children, parents, teachers, and organizational leaders with lifesaving knowledge about consent, body safety, and reporting abuse. As she is creating awareness about sexual violence, her dream is to build an art center for children!

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.

Freely in Hope celebrated the launch of Pendo’s Power, our very first illustrated children’s book that teaches parents and children how to prevent child sexual abuse. Our launch was held in Nairobi, Kenya with sponsors including Kenya National Library Service, ICEA Lion, and the Directorate of Children’s Services.

Catch us in the Bay Area and online through a series of inspiring educational events!

After sexual assault, all facets of you deserve the attention and patience to heal. A holistic approach ensures that all parts of us can thrive after experiencing trauma.

We’re so excited to be back in-person at these incredible holiday events! Join us in California to learn about our transformative work with survivors across Kenya and Zambia.

It’s the most wonderful time of the yea and there are so many ways to spread the love! When you shop through our partners, they will give back to Freely in Hope!

The holidays are a beautiful time of connection with friends and family near and far. Regardless of the family situations that we come from, we can make empowered decisions to protect our children during this holiday season.

Every year, Freely In Hope commemorates the International Day of the Girl that focuses on empowering girls and women to use their voices in their communities to speak against injustice. This year, we had the privilege to partner with Ujamaa Africa and Imarika Youth to empower girls in Kibera, Kenya to learn self defense skills.

On International Day of the Girl this year, Freely in Hope is empowering 300 girls through self-defense trainings in Kenya and Zambia. Learn how you can promote safety for girls!

Rape culture is real — the words we say may be unintentional, but careless comments, lack of support, and judgmental attitudes cause great harm. Many survivors are harmed emotionally and psychologically because of the myths, stigmas, and stereotypes that are dominant in a patriarchal culture.

When it comes to children, you as the parent are the first level of support and that sometimes can feel like a daunting task. Beginning to care for your child’s mental health begins with knowing your child and what their “normal” looks like. Use that as a basis to understand and appreciate their uniqueness.

The Trauma-Informed Parenting Guide provides the basics of trauma-informed care to empower parents and caregivers to have age-appropriate conversations with their children around sexuality, sexual abuse, and trauma healing.

I was that sad girl because of the rape and trauma that had impacted me. I felt so hopeless. I even altered my name to pretend to be someone else. I had lost trust in everyone and thought that they were going to harm me just like the perpetrator did, I knew him well too.

As a survivor, we often feel alone in our pain and suffering. This sense of loneliness may lead to depression, withdrawal, or self-harm. It’s important to remember that we are not alone and that there are systems of support available to help us heal.