We support women and children in gaining the knowledge, power, and tools necessary to lead healthy, safe, and productive lives. Our work centers in Busia County, Kenya. Rural youth, including those orphaned by AIDS, face various challenges such as inadequate nutrition and health care, lack of access to quality education, and risk of exposure to HIV. In a similar vein, women struggle with many cult
ural and social barriers to success such as domestic violence, sexual assault, child marriage, and patriarchal notions of gender roles. Neither Kenya nor the rest of the world can afford for the potential of an entire generation of youth to be undermined by poverty, lack of education, violence, and disease. That is why at COCE, we strive to empower vulnerable members of the community to adopt the skills and talents that their communities - and our world - desperately need. In order to holistically meet the complex needs of local women and children, COCE utilizes a community-driven strength-based approach. The focus is three-fold: (1) expanding their educational opportunities; (2) providing access to comprehensive health information and therapeutic interventions; and (3) increasing recreational and vocational opportunities to empower community members to lead healthy, successful lives.
