Every child's right to basic needs (2016).

In 2016, the Samaritan Hearts group embarked on a compassion initiative aimed at alleviating the suffering of children who were victims of destitution, neglect, and abuse. The initiative began with a social media mobilization campaign, calling upon well-wishers to support children's homes and individual families in need. The response was overwhelming, with numerous donors providing financial and material support. This outpouring of kindness laid the foundation for the establishment of the Bough Foundation, an organization committed to utilizing information technology to empower individuals and communities to identify and address their socio-economic challenges.

Children's homes play a critical role in supporting destitute children, particularly in informal urban settlements where child neglect is prevalent. Unfortunately, many children find themselves alone and vulnerable due to parental neglect, mental illness, and drug addiction. They often end up on the streets, exposed to further danger and trauma. It was against this backdrop that the Samaritan Hearts group felt compelled to intervene and provide much-needed relief to these innocent victims.

Samaritan Hearts leveraged social media platforms to spread awareness about the plight of these children and to call upon fellow citizens to join hands in providing support. The response was heartening, with many Kenyans heeding the call and contributing generously. Cash and in-kind donations poured in, enabling the group to extend support to various children's homes and individual families in dire need in the cities of Nairobi, Kisumu and Nakuru.

The success of the social media campaign and the subsequent formation of the Bough Foundation represented a significant milestone in the journey towards mitigating child suffering. The foundation's mission centers on harnessing the power of information technology to empower individuals, heterogeneous groups, and communities to identify their strengths and potential solutions to overcome socio-economic challenges. By doing so, it creates a sustainable framework for addressing the root causes of poverty, inequality, and marginalization.

The initiative has made a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of children who now have access to basic necessities like food, shelter, clothing, and education. Moreover, the Bough Foundation's emphasis on capacity building and empowerment is inspiring a new generation of change makers, passionate about creating positive transformation within their communities.

As the foundation continues to grow and expand its reach, there is immense potential for replicating similar and improved models in other parts of the country and beyond. By partnering with government institutions, civil society organizations, and corporate entities, the Bough Foundation can scale up its efforts to address the systemic issues underlying child suffering.

The Samaritan Hearts group's compassion initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that ordinary citizens can have when they come together to confront societal challenges. By leveraging technology and social media, the Bough Foundation is creating platforms for individuals and communities to take charge of their own destinies and create lasting change. We continue to support and learn from grassroots movements, fostering a culture of empathy, kindness, and collective responsibility and co-creation of sustainable solutions. Together, we can build a brighter future for every child and ensure that no young life is left behind.