An NGO has reported a troubling rise in the sexual exploitation of children at home and in schools, linking it to increasing depression among teachers and parents.
Beacon Teachers Africa, an organization focused on child protection and psychosocial support, emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced measures to safeguard children, starting with their home environments.
Dr. Joan Mwende, the organization’s founder and CEO, highlighted the importance of supporting teachers so they can fulfill their parental roles in schools. She noted that many children mimic inappropriate behaviors learned at home.
“Children often replicate what they observe. For instance, in a recent case from the Eastern region, young children were found engaging in sexual acts during break time. Investigation revealed one child had witnessed a neighbor entering their mother’s bedroom, and after knocking with no response, peeked inside to see the two adults involved in a sexual encounter,” Mwende explained.
Speaking at Khadija Primary School in Mombasa during International Teachers’ Day, Mwende reflected on her organization’s achievements in rescuing children from exploitation.
She described how the girl in the Eastern region then taught her cousin and school friends about these behaviors. “Violence against children manifests in various forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. While there is a significant amount of sexual violence against children nationwide, much of it goes unreported,” Mwende added.
She expressed concern that many children who suffer sexual abuse are led to believe they should remain silent about their experiences. Often, there are no visible signs of abuse unless a medical assessment is conducted.
Mwende pointed out that societal attitudes contribute to the problem, with some cultures endorsing harmful practices. “In certain cultures, it is not uncommon for grandfathers to refer to their granddaughters as ‘wives,’ which can normalize inappropriate behavior,” she stated, noting that such actions might occur openly without anyone raising concerns.
She explained that the stigma associated with sexual abuse is often placed on the victim rather than the abuser, complicating matters further. Many families opt to keep such incidents secret, fearing embarrassment or the potential fallout from involving law enforcement.
“Parents often tell their children not to speak about abuse. They may avoid reporting it to authorities to prevent public scrutiny of their family,” Mwende remarked.
She also criticized the lengthy legal processes that can leave victims without justice until they are adults, by which time they may not wish to pursue the case.
Mwende highlighted the failures of the criminal justice system to provide compensation for victims post-conviction. “While it’s important to imprison offenders for societal protection, the needs of the victims are overlooked. They must cover their own medical costs and face the emotional aftermath without any support,” she said.
In educational settings, Mwende observed that teachers sometimes misdirect their frustrations onto innocent students due to a lack of nurturing relationships. “At Beacon Teachers, we strive to build trust with children so they feel safe opening up about their experiences,” she explained.
Rev. Maria Kipruto, secretary of Beacon Teachers Africa in Mombasa, added that many students come to school without psychological stability. “Children who are not mentally stable cannot learn effectively. Our first step is to assess their mood, which allows us to connect with them and provide the love and care they need,” she noted.
Kipruto pointed out that while digital literacy is vital in today’s education, it exposes children to various content, including sexual material. “It’s alarming to hear very young students openly discussing their sexual experiences or knowledge of pornography; it can be deeply distressing,” she concluded.
