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Health Program
Primary healthcare is the greatest need of women and girls in our community. In rural Kenya, 70% of women
and children lack access to appropriate primary health care making it the greatest need of women and girls in
our community. In Kenya, 10 million women have unmet need for contraceptives leading to
approximately 70,000 maternal and infant deaths annually
Dandelion Medical
Centres
We have constructed two Level 3 green health facilities in rural areas and in wildlife conservancies, and run one level 2 facility. Dandelion Africa Medical Centres offer quality dignified maternal and infant health services to the most underserved
Over 2,000 - Community Health Promoters
Our front-line change agents are our Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who work within strengthened public health systems and refer clients to our Backpack Spaces. CHPs go door-to door connecting clients to life-saving services in homes and health centre.
Backpack Nurse
Model
When facilities are too far from communities, CHPs refer clients to our dedicated Backpack Nurse spaces that are frequented by a nurse on a motorbike carrying essential medicine, vaccines, contraceptives and all maternal child health services.
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Women's Livelihood
Women in rural areas live their whole life never knowing what their potential could have been, we are
determined to change their economic status. Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by climate
change due to their social roles, to the discrimination they suffer and their poverty. We aim to improve the
economy and health outcomes of women living in arid rural areas
Economic Power
We train the women on business skills through Village Business Training, where they learn to save and borrow their own money (Table banking), and are exposed to business out of their thematic regions through site visits, we support them with revolving start up capitals when the money on the table is not enough - 10,000 business have been established.
Climate Change
Women in Rural arid areas are often the ones who know first, before anyone else, how climate change is affecting their communities. This project focuses on creating an integrated, environmentally sound, safe, and economically sustainable smart agricultural production system through the practice of organic, permaculture farming by women.
Leadership
We aim to strengthen the role and voice of women through leadership training where we provide coaching, mentoring and exposure visits. We strengthen the agency of women to use their voice to advocate for themselves in community forums, like churches, community forums and political spaces. 400 women are in leadership positions across the different regions
in school
Youth Program
Adolescents comprise 24.5% of Kenya’s 47.6 million total population. This segment of the population is at
high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS while female adolescents face the
additional risk of early pregnancy, unsafe abortion and female genital mutilation . In Kenya, the age of sexual
debut is low; 47% of young women and 55% of young men between the ages of 18–24 years reported sexual
intercourse before the age of 18 years
Girls for leaders, Boys for Change
This program engages over 7,000 boys and men in advancing gender equity and equality, recognizing that true empowerment of women and girls requires transforming the social and gender norms that reinforce patriarchy and inequality. By fostering meaningful participation, the program challenges harmful practices that negatively impact women and girls.
Additionally, the Girls for Leaders initiative works with 65 schools and over 8,500 girls in communities where Female Genital Cutting and early marriage are prevalent. It addresses cultural and logistical barriers to education, ensuring that more girls have the opportunity to stay in school and pursue their aspirations
Student Peer Educators
Through the Girls for Leaders, Boys for Change program, Dandelion Africa empowers students in rural areas with the skills to advocate for themselves and their peers by engaging with policymakers. In 2022, we integrated advocacy training into the program, equipping students to drive meaningful change within their schools.
Our Advocacy Toolkit has trained over 400 Student Peer Educators, enabling them to develop Community Action Plans that address key challenges in their schools. These students not only train their peers but also collaborate with school leaders to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed. As a result, several student-led initiatives have been successfully implemented, leading to sustainable improvements in schools
Libraries & Youth Center
Dandelion Africa has established a Youth Center and three Community Libraries in Nakuru, Baringo, and Kajiado counties, along with a Village ICT Hub and a Youth Sexual Reproductive Health Clinic for young people aged 10 to 19 years. These spaces provide a safe and supportive environment where youth can learn, grow, and receive mentorship.
Our Community Libraries go beyond just providing books—they foster a love for reading, offer access to ICT and STEM training, and serve as creative hubs for innovation and recycling. Additionally, they provide informative Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) sessions, ensuring young people have the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions. With the help of Youth Peer Providers, we deliver essential educational resources and mentorship, encouraging children and youth to dream big and realize their full potential.
out of school
Youth Program
Youth Peer Providers
Our Youth Peer Providers play a vital role in empowering young people by providing accurate and relatable information on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Trained through our programs, they educate their peers, facilitate referrals to youth-friendly clinics, and create a supportive environment where young people can openly discuss health and wellness.
Through peer-led discussions, mentorship, and community engagement, Youth Peer Providers ensure that adolescents and young adults have access to reliable health information, essential services, and life skills training. Their work helps break barriers surrounding reproductive health, reduces stigma, and promotes
informed decision-making among youth
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Advocacy Program
In Kenya, 45% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, while 14% have faced
sexual violence. Many of these cases go unreported, leaving survivors without justice or access to medical
care. Additionally, two in ten girls have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a harmful practice that
significantly impacts their education. In the Arid and Semi-Arid regions where Dandelion Africa operates, only
43% of girls transition to high school, highlighting the urgent need for intervention
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) & FGM Prevention
Dandelion Africa works to prevent and respond to SGBV and FGM by engaging communities, law enforcement, and healthcare providers. Through sensitization programs, we equip men, women, Community Health Promoters, and healthcare providers with the knowledge to identify, document, and respond effectively to cases of violence.
Community Advocay
Empowering communities to advocate for their rights and resources is at the core of our work. Through the use of an advocacy toolkit, we equip community members with the skills to lobby for their needs and engage with duty-bearers. We facilitate joint dialogue forums where communities interact with their leaders, ensuring their priorities are addressed in policy discussions and budget allocations hence strengthening advocacy, leading to impactful change
Localization Within Programs
We mentor local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) operating within our intervention areas to ensure sustainability. Our mentorship covers leadership, resource mobilization, financial management, project management, and proposal writing, empowering Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to strengthen their impact and drive long-term community development