Kuza Dada Camps

The Kuza Dada Camp program is an educational, empowering, and fun experience for adolescent girls in east Africa. During this five-day residential camp, girls ages 11-18 learn about sexual reproductive health, healthy relationships, communication skills and self-love in a vibrant, high energy context away from responsibilities and pressures of home. Campers learn to use their voice and understand how they can use their knowledge of science and biology to make a difference in the world.

Two American camp founders, Kerby McKinnell and Cait Griffith were able to bring their background and expertise in social work and education to collaborate with local Kenyan educators and leaders including camp manager, Joy Chenyenyozi to create a culturally responsive program that brings the best of both countries. As a result of this effective collaboration, camper growth is accelerated during program as girls encounter new ideas and are given the opportunity to develop positive self-regard and self-efficacy. The emphasis on relationship building with trusted adults and peers in "family groups'' allows campers to open up about their experiences, their questions, and their dreams for the future. Kuza Camps are offered across the country of Kenya and always in partnership with local organizations that provide follow up support for the participants, such as counseling or healthcare services.

Kuza Dada camps have a strong and well-established model with quality learner-centered lessons, facilitator training materials, and program assessment tools developed by a steering committee of American and Kenyan women with a wide range of backgrounds including medicine, education, and counseling. All lessons are evidence based, but this is especially important in the science lessons on pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, menstruation, and STIs where misinformation is common.

Kuza Dada is working to replicate this program in communities across Kenya because of the measurable impact made by camp as a catalyst in girls’ lives and within their communities.

Help us bring Kuza Dada camp to Narok in December in partnership with Murua Girls! At this camp, we will reach 200 adolescent girls through a five day, overnight camp, supported by 30 trained facilitators!