Rafiki Mwema is committed to the physical and emotional support of the children in our care. They have experienced things we could not even imagine. Things that many adults turn a blind eye to. While they are with us, we work to heal this physical and psychological abuse and seek to reboot feelings of safety and love. We do this so they can grow to be balanced and loving adults. That’s the key to breaking the cycle of abuse. We approach this complex task through our therapeutic support model. It is an approach based on the Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) work that our co-founder, Anne Marie, administers in the UK.
Rafiki Mwema Mission Statement
Rafiki Mwema works to understand and repair the intense trauma our children have experienced. Through Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) – a therapeutic parenting model – we help our children make sense of their past. To do this we train our Kenyan staff to ensure our children receive the very best therapeutic support and care. We also educate local communities, schools and government officials to understand the impact of childhood abuse. We provide support and information on this specialised therapeutic support model to service providers globally.
Our Staff and Therapeutic Support
Our carers and keyworkers provide therapeutic support for our children from the moment they arrive with us. They are key to the model’s successful implementation and are trained to understand the complex behaviours of our children. Staff stay calm and emotionally regulated as they talk with the children, helping them feel safe and secure. Our keyworkers also model kindness, connection and commitment and play a huge part in the healing of these young minds. Through Dyadic Developmental Parenting, our children begin to build safe relationships and rebuild trust. This role is essential to ensure our children heal and survive emotionally when they leave Rafiki Mwema. You can learn more about the role of our keyworkers here.
Our Results
We have safely returned 120 children to a trusted family member in their community. We currently also have four therapeutic houses that are home to 70 boys and girls. Under our care, these children receive medical attention, support through their court cases, education, intensive therapy, therapeutic support and a warm, loving, playful and empathetic environment.
To learn more about our methods, our why or about one of the many ways you can help please get in touch.
