Advocacy

Every adolescent has a right to a safe and healthy existence.

We advocate for a wholesome adolescence experience for all — using evidence to champion regional, national and subnational policies that promote adolescent health, well-being, safety, protection, education and empowerment.

Evidence into action
Thriving Teens Foundation outreach booth showing vision and mission banners
Our position

Rights, respect and freedom from harm.

Every adolescent has a right to a safe and healthy existence, with access to information and education, respect for their rights, and freedom from harmful cultural practices that threaten their development.

We are committed to upholding the right of adolescents to health, safety, nutrition, education and protection from harmful practices — rights anchored in the Constitution of Kenya, the Children Act 2022 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

Youth voice at the centre

We work hand in hand with adolescents — especially those living with chronic conditions and special needs — so that the people most affected help shape the policies that affect them.

Advocacy priorities

What we are championing.

Information & education

Age-appropriate, accurate health information and comprehensive sexuality education for every adolescent.

Transition care

Youth-friendly care that supports adolescents with chronic conditions as they move from paediatric to adult services.

Disability inclusion

Accessible services and dignity for adolescents with disabilities — including menstrual hygiene.

Ending harmful practices

Protection from harmful cultural practices, child marriage and child labour — which is immoral and offends the law.

Immunisation

Vaccine confidence and uptake among adolescents — including the HPV vaccine that prevents cervical cancer.

Mental health & substances

Mental wellbeing support and honest prevention on vaping, alcohol and drugs.

Children in school uniforms walking along a road to school
Right to education

Every girl back in the classroom.

Pregnancy should not end a girl’s education. We champion the implementation of Kenya’s National Guidelines for School Re-entry in Early Learning and Basic Education, so adolescent mothers can return to school and thrive.

Our Project Officer Joyce Imusarit brings lived experience to this work — believing that every adolescent mother, given a chance, can excel through the power of education.

Meet the team
How we influence change

From evidence to policy.

Generate evidence

Locally relevant research on adolescent health and transition to adulthood.

Provide technical input

Our experts contribute to policy — including the Ministry of Health technical working group on the Adolescent Health Policy.

Amplify youth voice

Creating platforms for adolescents to speak about the issues that matter to them.

Inform the public

Health columns, articles and campaigns that replace myths with facts.

14Nov

World Diabetes Day

More than needles and starch portions — thriving with diabetes.

In 18 days · Upcoming
20Nov

World Children’s Day

Every child deserves a safe transition through adolescence.

In 24 days · Upcoming
25Nov

16 Days of Activism (25 Nov – 10 Dec)

Ending gender-based violence against girls and young women.

In 29 days · Upcoming
1Dec

World AIDS Day

Knowledge, compassion and support transform lives.

In 35 days · Upcoming
3Dec

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Inclusive health and education for adolescents with disabilities.

In 37 days · Upcoming
24Jan

International Day of Education

Every adolescent’s right to learn — including young mothers returning to school.

In 89 days · Upcoming
4Feb

World Cancer Day

Prevention starts young: HPV vaccination protects against cervical cancer.

In 100 days · Upcoming
4Mar

International HPV Awareness Day

Busting HPV vaccine myths with parents, teens and schools.

In 128 days · Upcoming
8Mar

International Women’s Day

Rights, equality and empowerment for every girl.

In 132 days · Upcoming
20Mar

International Day of Happiness

Wellbeing, joy and connection for young people.

In 144 days · Upcoming
2Apr

World Autism Awareness Day

Celebrating neurodivergent teens and their unique paths.

In 157 days · Upcoming
7Apr

World Health Day

Adolescent health belongs on every health agenda.

In 162 days · Upcoming
Take action

Add your voice.

Share the facts

Share our articles on HPV, immunisation and substance use with your networks.

Browse articles

Invite us to speak

Host a talk at your school, church, workplace or community forum.

Contact us

Join a coalition

Partner with us on campaigns for adolescent health and rights.

Partner

Fund advocacy

Support the research and campaigns that change policy.

Donate