Aflatoun’s commitment to empowering children through social and financial education took center stage during a recent visit of our Supervisory Board Members to Kenya.
Over two days, Joanne Kellerman and Petra Zijp (Aflatoun’s Supervisory Board) together with our Co-CEO Roeland Monasch engaged with partners in the field, witnessing firsthand the impact of our programmes.
Oasis of Hope Community Ministry, supporting vulnerable children in Mathare North
On Saturday, 15 February, the team visited Oasis of Hope Community Ministry, a new Aflatoun partner working in Mathare North, one of Nairobi’s most densely populated slums. Led by Pastor Joash Okelo, the organisation provides a safe space for vulnerable children (ages 3-15) every Saturday, offering meals, activities, and educational support.
By integrating Aflatoun’s social and financial education, Oasis of Hope empowers children to build resilience and develop essential life skills. During the visit, Joanne and Petra met facilitators Judith Moraa Abere and Jemima Michael, along with members of the Oasis board. Mathare North faces severe socio-economic challenges, including food insecurity, limited healthcare, and the devastating impact of recent floods in 2024.
Initiatives like Oasis of Hope play a crucial role in supporting children and families in these difficult circumstances.
ChildFund Kenya & ECDP – scaling Social and Financial Literacy in schools
On Monday, 17 February, the delegation visited ChildFund Kenya, an Aflatoun partner implementing school-based projects through Eastern Community Development Programme (ECDP).
ChildFund Kenya, part of the ChildFund Alliance, works with 38 local partner organisations across 25 counties, supporting children through projects focused on education, health, water and sanitation, economic livelihoods, and emergency response. In schools, the organisation emphasizes child protection and retention, particularly for girls at risk of dropping out.
Aflatoun clubs, integrated within ChildFund’s programming, help children develop leadership skills, financial literacy, and social awareness. The ECDP team, including their director, joined the visit to Tiva Primary School in Kitui, where they are implementing financial education through trained club patrons and teachers.
Across Kitui and Machakos Counties, 30 trained educators are leading Aflatoun clubs, reaching 900 children (450 girls, 450 boys) and equipping them with skills to save and manage resources. Some groups are also being supported with income-generating activities, further strengthening their financial education journey.
Both visits showcased the transformative power of social and financial education in both non-formal and formal education settings. Our Board Members – Joanne and Petra will share their reflections in an upcoming blog – stay tuned on www.aflatoun.org for more!