Programs and Services

Sustainability initiatives

At Pope Francis Rescue Home (PFRH), we believe in self-reliance and long-term sustainability to support our mission of protecting and empowering vulnerable children. To reduce dependency on external funding, we have established several income-generating initiatives that help sustain our operations while also providing valuable skills to the children and caregivers we support.

1. The PFRH Farm

Our farm plays a crucial role in enhancing food security at the Rescue Home. We cultivate vegetables, fruits, and staple crops to provide nutritious meals for the children. This not only reduces food costs but also goes a long way to ensure a balanced diet for the residents.

2. The Production Unit

The Production Unit produces items sold with proceeds reinvested into the project. The items are such as bags, uniforms, sweaters, bead work items and any items on order.

3. The PFRH Bus

Our bus serves both as a transportation asset for children and staff and as an income-generating resource. When not in use for official activities, the bus is rented out for community transport services, generating revenue that helps cover operational costs.

Through these initiatives, PFRH continues to strengthen its financial resilience, ensuring the sustainability of its programs while empowering beneficiaries with essential life skills.

PFRH Payment Details for Bus Hire and Production Unit

Bank

Account name: CDM- Pope Francis Mileage
Account number: 02201428591414

MPESA

Paybill Number: 542542
Account Number: 14140

Contact: +25458532019

Education Support Program

What It Is

The Education Support Program was established in 2022 to empower vulnerable children in the coastal region of Kenya by providing educational support from primary school to tertiary level. This initiative aligns with PFRH’s mission of ensuring that vulnerable children live with dignity, with a key focus on increasing transition rates to secondary and tertiary education.

The program provides school fees, learning materials, and mentorship to students from financially unstable backgrounds, ensuring they have equal opportunities for education and future self-sufficiency.

Who Has Been Targeted

By the end of 2024, the program was supporting 26 beneficiaries (23 female, 3 male) across different education levels:

5 students (4F, 1M) in tertiary education
14 students (all female) in high school
3 students (2F, 1M) in junior secondary
4 students (3F, 1M) in primary school

These beneficiaries come from Magarini (13), Malindi (10), Tana Delta (2), and Lamu County (1).

Additionally, 12 vulnerable children, including 9 graduates not formally enrolled in the Education Support Program, benefited from back-to-school fees and kits to enable them to resume their studies.

How Many So Far

Since its inception, the program has successfully supported multiple students across different education levels, ensuring that they remain in school and progress academically. In 2024 alone:

Two students completed their KCSE at Moi Kadzonzo and Ngala Memorial Secondary Schools and are hopeful to join university in 2025.
One university beneficiary was attached at Pope Francis for three months during school holidays, demonstrating passion for community service.
61 students and caregivers attended a joint mentorship session in November 2024, focusing on positive parenting, child protection, and life skills.

Impact

The Education Support Program has led to:
✅ Higher school retention rates for vulnerable children.
✅ Improved academic performance, with graduates preparing for higher education.
✅ Stronger support systems, as students and caregivers receive mentorship and guidance.
✅ Holistic child development, including life skills training and career mentorship to prepare students for the future.

Despite financial challenges, PFRH continues to advocate for and support vulnerable learners, ensuring they have access to education and opportunities for a better future.

Household Economic Strengthening Program (HESP)

What It Is

The Household Economic Strengthening Program (HESP) was initiated in September 2017 to economically empower vulnerable households, ensuring they can afford basic needs. This program was established to mitigate the risk of sexually abused and exploited children returning to dangerous environments due to financial instability upon reintegration. By fostering entrepreneurship and financial independence, HESP aims to reduce dependency on external aid and contribute to the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE).

HESP provides business training, initial stock purchases, and continuous business monitoring to help beneficiaries sustain their enterprises and improve household livelihoods. The program covers Magarini, Tana Delta, and Malindi Sub Counties, with a strong focus on economic resilience.

Who Has Been Targeted

HESP targets 20 vulnerable households per year, selected based on vulnerability assessments that identify families at high risk of poverty and exploitation. These households include caregivers of rescued children and graduates identified as capable of running a business.

How Many So Far

Since its inception, HESP has supported 101 businesses:

55 in Magarini
40 in Malindi
6 in Tana Delta
Of these, 98 businesses are run by caregivers, and 3 are managed by vulnerable graduates.

Impact

Improved food security: Many families can now afford at least two to three meals per day.
Education support: Parents can now pay school fees and contribute to local savings groups.
Sustainability: Households are reducing dependency on PFRH support by engaging in sustainable businesses.
Challenges: Inflation and transport costs have affected profitability, but ongoing mentorship and business monitoring are helping beneficiaries adapt.

This initiative continues to uplift families, ensuring that reintegrated children return to safer and more economically stable homes.