Kenya’s ending the use of institutions with training, Dennis is one boy to benefit
15.05.2026
Dennis has faced more than most children his age ever should. At just seven years old, he had already lost his mother and seen his father incarcerated, leaving him living with an uncle with alcoholism and at risk of not going to school.
With no other safe kinship option, through no fault of his own, Dennis was in danger of growing up in an institution, without the love, stability, and sense of belonging every child deserves.
But because of our specialist training, a different path was chosen.
“Family means everything to me. That is where there’s a sense of belongingness… It is courtesy of Lumos that the broad spectrum of care reform was introduced to us in many trainings” – Jane Kinuthia (pictured), Children’s Officer, Embu East, Kenya.
Jane, a local Children’s Officer, placed Dennis with a foster parent – where he is now thriving, surrounded by care, safety, and the warmth of a place he can truly call home. He has settled into school and is enjoying learning, often sharing his dream of becoming a doctor.
I believe children belong in families, so I looked for an alternative to institutional care – an approach I learned through Lumos training.
-Jane Kinuthia, Children’s Officer, Embu East, Kenya
Since 2022, Lumos Kenya has worked with the Kenyan Government and partners to prevent unnecessary family separation. Lumos Kenya supported officers from the Directorate of Children Services to train, assess, and certify foster parents to receive children into their care. This initiative helped prevent unnecessary admission of children into residential care and promoted their growth in safe, family environments.
“…My dream is to ensure that no child in my community has to be taken into an institution because children belong to families.” -Peter, Children’s Protection Volunteer, Embu County, pictured with Dennis.
It was through foster training that I was able to look for a foster parent to place Dennis. I want every child to live in a family because children belong in families.
-Peter Ngoci, Children’s Protection Volunteer, Embu County
Pictured: Dennis with his foster family.
Being part of a loving family has given Dennis the stability and support he needs to grow, learn, and thrive.
Children like Dennis deserve a loving family. Your donation helps Lumos train the workers and families that make it possible.
