10/10/2026
⚠️ Content note: This post discusses gender-based violence and safeguarding.
Protecting girls starts with educating boys.
With growing discussion around educating boys about respect, consent and healthy relationships, we wanted to highlight some of the work taking place across our Schools of Hope to help prevent gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence remains a major issue across sub-Saharan Africa. WHO estimates that around 1 in 3 women in the region have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime.
Safeguarding is therefore central to our work.
Our ChallengeAid Africa team has clear systems in place so teachers and pupils know how to report concerns. Children can speak to their teacher, use a dedicated email address or contact our CEO, Sophia, directly. Concerns such as violence, drug abuse and absenteeism can then be identified and acted upon.
Our UK safeguarding specialist also meets with the team monthly to review concerns and strengthen our approach. In 2025, 127 supervisors and School of Hope committee members in Kenya received safeguarding training.
We are also incredibly proud of our Boys Take Responsibility clubs.
In 2025, 1,289 boys aged 10–18 regularly attended sessions covering topics including drug abuse, gender-based violence, respect, responsibility and the importance of education.
As part of the club, the boys also take part in positive activities such as sport, community clean-ups and tree planting — building teamwork, confidence and responsibility.
We are incredibly proud of every boy who takes part.
Preventing violence starts with education, challenging harmful attitudes and giving young people the knowledge and confidence to make positive choices.
