The Regina Kizito Foundation celebrated its fifth anniversary on Friday, December 20, in Muhoroni-Koru Ward, Muhoroni Constituency, Kisumu County. Since its establishment in 2019, the foundation has been at the forefront of empowering young adolescents by addressing critical issues such as early pregnancies, school dropouts, gender-based violence (GBV), and child protection.
Led by its CEO, Hon. Regina Kizito, a nominated Member of the Kisumu County Assembly, the foundation has provided free two-month training programs during school holidays. These sessions cover key topics such as mental health, reproductive health, leadership, GBV, and life skills. At the latest graduation ceremony, 53 young boys and girls were recognized for completing the program, taking a significant step toward becoming responsible and proactive members of society.
Fighting Social Challenges Among Adolescents
Speaking at the event, Hon. Regina Kizito highlighted the foundation’s mission to combat issues that disproportionately affect young girls in the community, including teenage pregnancies and early marriages.
“The girl child is the core focus of our foundation because 50% of young girls here drop out of school due to early marriages, pregnancies, or lack of school fees. This is alarming, and we are determined to fight these challenges,” Kizito stated.
Since its inception, the foundation has achieved remarkable milestones, including rescuing over 20 girls from early marriages, taking them back to school, and connecting them to employment opportunities.
Empowering the Future Generation
In addition to advocacy, the Regina Kizito Foundation operates as a rescue center for GBV victims. Hon. Kizito emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment for young girls and boys to grow and thrive.
“As a community initiative, we strive to uplift the lives of adolescents by equipping them with skills and knowledge. Our goal is to ensure they lead meaningful lives free from societal challenges like GBV and early pregnancies,” she remarked.
Community Impact and Parental Support
Parents in the community have expressed gratitude for the foundation’s impact. Josephine Akinyi, a mother of two graduates, praised the foundation for transforming lives and urged other parents to embrace the program.
“This foundation has given my children a chance to grow and learn. It’s an initiative every parent should support,” Akinyi said.
Policy and Future Plans
Hon. Kizito also announced her ongoing efforts to advance the Child Protection Bill at the Kisumu County Assembly, which aims to strengthen the safety and rights of children in the region.
As the festive season unfolds, she urged parents to remain vigilant and safeguard their children from harm. She also issued a stern warning to those preying on vulnerable girls, stating that strict measures would be taken against such offenders.
Looking ahead, the Regina Kizito Foundation plans to expand its reach and continue empowering adolescents through training and support programs.
“Together, we can build a community where every child has a chance to thrive. Let’s empower, protect, and uplift our future generations,” Kizito concluded.
This milestone celebration underscores the foundation’s enduring commitment to shaping a brighter future for Muhoroni’s youth.
