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Equipping young people for success

Together, we can help young people transition into adulthood and thrive. 

 

An invisible crisis:
When support systems vanish 

For most young people, the transition to independence happens gradually. Families provide ongoing emotional, financial and practical support into their early 20s, so young people have the solid foundation they need to thrive. 

But for those who grow up in alternative care—like orphanages, group homes or with foster families—their 18th birthday is a distressing milestone. 

As soon as they become a legal adult, they’re often forced to leave their home, thrust into unsupported independence. Without parental guidance or an emotional safety net, these young people are left to navigate housing, finances, education and other major life decisions—alone.  

These teenagers face adult responsibilities almost overnight. And without the support and guidance from a trusted adult, caregiver or mentor, these young people are more likely to experience homelessness, unemployment and mental health challenges.  

The SOS difference:
Comprehensive support to transition into adulthood 

At SOS Children’s Villages, we believe that young people deserve the resources, skills and mentorship they need to progress into adulthood, achieve independence and build a successful life. 

With practical help like housing support, financial literacy guidance and mentorship for other essential life skills, SOS supports young people with the practical independence skills they need to successfully transition into adulthood. 

And with higher education and skills training tailored to each individual’s passions, we equip young people with the knowledge and resources they need to secure reliable employment and develop in their careers.  

Together, we can help young people thrive with the resources they need to live independently, build confidence and ultimately reach their full potential! 

Amplifying young people’s voices 

We believe young people aren’t silent participants—they’re powerful leaders and catalysts for systemic change. 

We amplify young people’s voices, so they can advocate for their rights, contribute their expertise on policy reform and be leaders in shaping their own futures. 

By promoting their voices to the forefront of policy discussions and legislative decisions, we ensure their rights are recognized and upheld, and their advocacy leadership is supported as they create a better tomorrow for today’s children. 

Together, we’re not just transforming individual lives—we’re equipping the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers. 

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FEATURED STORY

Coding with confidence:
Nairobi’s iHub shapes the future for girls in tech 

While many students have access to computers at school and at home, Cynthia would not have access to a computer until she was 19. Growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, neither her school nor her family could afford such a luxury, excluding Cynthia from future career opportunities.  

Now, through SOS Children’s Villages Nairobi Community iHub, she is studying data science and JavaScript essentials—and she wants more girls to have the same opportunities. 

“Our mentors at the hub tell us you should not feel discouraged. Do the course that you want to do,” Cynthia said. “To those who talk negatively and say you can’t do it, prove them wrong.” 

Across Kenya, girls continue to face significant barriers to entering the digital world—from limited access to internet and devices to cultural norms that discourage them from pursuing technology-related studies. While national policies aim to close the gap of girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the reality is many girls are still left behind in a rapidly digitizing economy. 

A safe space for learning and growth 

Located at SOS Children’s Village Nairobi in Buru Buru, the Nairobi Community iHub is an SOS program that provides teenagers and young people with a safe place to learn essential digital and soft skills. Under the protection of safeguarding-trained staff, young people can also access resources and connect with mentors, ICT coaches and like-minded peers. Since its opening in May 2023, hundreds of young people have been coming to iHub each month. 

The iHub, part of the Digital Villages Project, provides not just access but encouragement. With bright murals painted by participants and a culture of open discussion, it is a place where young women feel welcomed and empowered to explore ICT.  

In Kenya, the digital landscape is evolving rapidly, yet connectivity remains a challenge. As of 2023, internet use hovered around 43-45%, but many rural and underserved areas continue to struggle with infrastructure, power challenges and device affordability. 

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Learn more about our work

 

Raising children in loving homes

Unlike the cold, clinical approach of institutional care—like orphanages or large group homes, where children face caregiver-to-child ratios as high as 31:1 and siblings are often separated—we provide individualized, trauma-informed care in family-like homes where siblings remain together. 

Building strong families

We work directly with vulnerable families to address the root causes of family separation and prevent the crisis before it occurs. Our locally staffed, community-based programs help families create stable, loving environments where children can thrive.

Emergency response

During crises, children face unimaginable challenges—enduring extreme distress that leaves them vulnerable to anxiety, PTSD and other mental health challenges. These crises disrupt their education, increases their likelihood of never finishing school and exposes them to life-threatening injuries.