KESSOI CBO logo

KESSOI

CBO

Education, Health & Community Wellbeing Program

Strengthening human capital and psychosocial resilience—so families thrive through education, health, and holistic wellbeing.

1,200+
Students supported with mentorship, scholarships, and digital learning
Support This Program

The Problem This Program Addresses

School Dropout Rates

Many children, especially in informal settlements and rural areas, drop out due to poverty, lack of mentorship, and family challenges.

Limited Digital Learning Access

Students lack access to computers, internet, and digital learning tools needed for modern education and skills development.

SRHR Gaps

Youth lack comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, leading to early pregnancies, STIs, and limited life choices.

Mental Health Stigma

Mental health issues are widespread but poorly addressed due to stigma, limited services, and lack of awareness.

Nutrition Challenges

Poor nutrition affects learning outcomes, health, and development, especially in low-income households.

Strong human capital requires healthy bodies, educated minds, and resilient spirits—but many communities lack support in all three areas.

KESSOI's Approach: How It Works

1

School Mentorship

Pairing students with mentors who provide academic support, career guidance, and psychosocial support to reduce dropout rates.

2

Scholarships & Support

Financial assistance for school fees, books, uniforms, and other educational needs for vulnerable students.

3

Digital Learning Access

Computer labs, digital literacy training, and access to online educational resources to bridge the digital divide.

4

SRHR Education

Age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health education for youth to make informed choices and protect their health.

5

Nutrition Programs

School feeding programs, nutrition education, and support for families to improve food security and health outcomes.

6

Mental Health Awareness

Mental health education, counseling support, and referrals to address stigma and provide care for those in need.

What Makes KESSOI Different

Holistic approach: Addressing education, health, and psychosocial needs together

Partnership-driven: Working with schools, health institutions, and communities

Prevention focus: Early intervention to prevent dropout and health crises

Family-centered: Supporting entire families to create enabling environments

Who This Program Serves

Primary & Secondary Students

Students in primary and secondary schools, especially those at risk of dropping out due to poverty or family challenges.

Why underserved: Limited mentorship, financial constraints, family challenges

Youth

Young people needing SRHR education, mental health support, and digital skills for personal development.

Why underserved: Limited youth-friendly services, stigma around SRHR and mental health

Families

Families in low-income communities needing support with nutrition, health access, and child welfare.

Why underserved: Limited access to health services, food insecurity, poverty

Real Stories From The Field

S
"I was about to drop out because my parents couldn't afford school fees. KESSOI gave me a scholarship and a mentor. I completed secondary school and now I'm in university. My mentor still checks on me."

Sarah Wanjiku

University Student, Nairobi

K
"I struggled with depression but didn't know where to get help. KESSOI's mental health awareness sessions taught me it's okay to seek help. I got counseling and support. I'm doing much better now."

Kevin Ochieng

Youth, Kasarani

M
"Through KESSOI's SRHR education, I learned about contraception and safe choices. Many of my friends became teenage mothers, but I was able to finish school and plan my future. This education saved my life."

Mary Akinyi

Student, Kiambu

Impact & Results

Outcomes tracked through school attendance, health assessments, and youth surveys

1,200+
Students Supported
With mentorship, scholarships, and digital learning
85%
School Retention
Students staying in school (program participants)
320+
Scholarships Awarded
To vulnerable students
800+
Youth Trained
In SRHR and digital literacy
180+
Mental Health Cases
Supported through counseling and referrals
1,500+
Households Reached
With health outreach and nutrition programs

Program In Action

Mentorship Session

Students receiving academic and career guidance

Health Outreach

Community health screening and education

Digital Learning

Students accessing online educational resources

Risks & Safeguards

Key Risk: SRHR Stigma

Some communities may resist SRHR education due to cultural or religious beliefs, limiting program reach.

How KESSOI Mitigates This:

  • Community engagement: Building trust and understanding before introducing sensitive topics
  • Age-appropriate: Tailoring content to different age groups and contexts
  • Partnership: Working with trusted community leaders and health institutions

Connection to KESSOI's Integrated System

Education & Health connects with all KESSOI programs:

  • Links to Economic Empowerment: Educated, healthy youth are better equipped for entrepreneurship and employment

  • Links to Women's Empowerment: SRHR education and health support protect women's rights and choices

  • Links to Financial Inclusion: Healthy, educated families make better financial decisions

  • Links to Human Rights: Health and education are fundamental rights that empower communities

Learn about KESSOI's Theory of Change