Freely in Hope - Curriculum Development
STRENGTHENING THE ECOSYSTEM OF CARE FOR SURVIVORS IN KENYA
I had the privilege of bringing FIH’s curriculum to life - an initiative designed to strengthen timely case reporting within the critical 72-hour window, enhance collaboration among referral partners across the TIKO ecosystem of care, and equip all stakeholders with trauma-informed, survivor-centred skills. This work supports a growing network dedicated to meeting the needs of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Kenya.
The training followed Freely in Hope’s Curriculum, the four-phase model. Prepare, Plant, Nourish, and Protect, which mirrors a plant's growth and integrates the principles of trauma-informed care.
(Prepare) focused on Trauma-Informed Care for Survivors of SGBV;
(Plant) addressed Shifting Mindsets to Strengthen SGBV Prevention and Response;
(Nourish) covered Psychological First Aid and Sustaining Leadership; and
(Protect) emphasised Mobilising Communities to Prevent SGBV, incorporating the 4D Cycle of Inquiry - Discover, Dream, Design, Deliver - as a framework for action planning.
In partnership with Tiko and the Ministry of Health (MOH), Freely In Hope contributed to building a more responsive, connected, and compassionate ecosystem of care across four counties - Nairobi, Kisumu, Homabay and Kilifi.
“The Freely in Hope approach proves that when communities believe survivors, act with empathy, and work together, we can move from harm to justice and from silence to sustained healing.”
Use this link to view the results from FIH’s pre- and post-training assessments, which demonstrate the tangible impact of their approach.
I deeply appreciate Nikole and the Freely in Hope team for trusting me with this important work. This project was especially meaningful to me, not only as a creative endeavour, but as work deeply close to my heart. As a survivor, contributing to an initiative that drives real impact in my home country is profoundly personal. It represents a step forward in advancing Kenya’s fight against sexual and gender-based violence, and in supporting survivors with the dignity, care, and urgency they deserve.