Rafiki Mwema in the local community
Working in Kenya, we are always mindful that we may have different cultural experiences and understanding. We always try and work alongside, to enhance the connection and understanding of children and families in the community.
It is with that in mind, that we embrace the principles of Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and parenting with PACE. This approach works worldwide, as it focuses on relationships, and repair of some of the complex traumas families need to recover from.
All our staff at Rafiki Mwema are Kenyan and they undergo intense and repeated training around how to build relationships with children who do not trust. They are not trained therapists, but they are trained to therapeutically parent. We have then selected further staff members to undergo their DDP level 1 and will also complete their level 2 with an external trainer from the USA.
This allows us as an organisation to continue to be connected and professional with some of the most traumatised children on the planet.
Anne-Marie also delivers regular training to other professionals who come into contact with children were trauma has been experienced. This includes, but is not exclusive to Court Officials, Children Departments, Prisons, Police Officers and Schools.
Helping the community to understand and connect to their children is at the heart of Rafiki Mwema, and will allow this model to flourish and have a wider impact for traumatised children
Our latest community project
Nakuru
Give up to give
On Sundays, the children and staff of Rafiki Mwema dedicate their day to cooking and delivering food to the children who live on the streets in Nakuru.
Our children have given up their favourite activity of swimming to save the funds to buy food for their 'street family'. They are so happy to do this every week. The first Sunday we had 20 people turn up. It rapidly grew to 60 people. The word is spreading and the need for our help is huge.
Would you be prepared to give up something to help us give this to them?