Our Story
Why Support The Dream exists
Marginalised families around Shianda face extreme challenges. Polygamy and abject poverty are common, and the result is a rising number of child-headed households and children working instead of going to school.
That leads to illiteracy, early pregnancies, infant and maternal deaths, and the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Drug abuse is becoming more widespread among young people.
Children, and especially poor and frail pregnant teenage girls, are often overlooked by their families and by society, and seen as burdens rather than valued members of the community. Support The Dream exists to change that through education, health awareness and social protection, so that every child has the chance to thrive whatever their background.
To transform lives and break the cycle of poverty by delivering inclusive, efficient and high-quality socio-economic services that empower communities and create lasting impact.
To empower marginalised communities, especially vulnerable children and youth, by providing care, support and opportunities that restore confidence, dignity and self-reliance through capacity building, education and life-skills training.
To reduce the suffering of teenage girls and vulnerable children with love, care, education and engaging activities, so they grow into productive and valued members of society.
Our Objectives
Four commitments guide everything we do
Our main objective is to restore the dignity, happiness and confidence of vulnerable people in the community they live in.
A permanent home
Improve the quality of life of youth and vulnerable children by establishing a permanent home that restores their happiness and confidence.
Trained caregivers
Train caregivers in caregiving skills so vulnerable children get adequate care, love and support.
Education and empowerment
Provide adequate education and social and economic empowerment to vulnerable children.
Health and rights
Sensitise children and communities on sexual and reproductive health, their rights, and diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
How We Work
Practical steps towards our aims
Our constitution sets out how the organisation works towards its goals. We:
- Raise money through our own projects and from donors and well-wishers
- Organise courses and events for children, caregivers and families
- Work with other groups and share information
- Employ staff and acquire and manage buildings, including a permanent home
Our head office is in Shianda, a sub-location in Mumias East Constituency, Kakamega County. Our members and committee live in and around this community, and the management may open branch offices elsewhere in Kenya as the work grows.
Visit UsAccountability
How we look after every gift
Annual General Meeting
Every member gets 14 days' notice, hears the Chairperson's and Treasurer's reports, and votes in a new committee.
Regular oversight
The Management Committee meets at least three times a year, in January, April and August.
Protected funds
Money is used only for our aims, held in the organisation's name, and every cheque needs two signatures.
Fair process
Decisions are made by vote, and any member facing removal has the right to be heard first.
Help us give every child a dream worth keeping
Give by M-Pesa or card, or join us as a volunteer or member.