Every Boy Deserves a Second Chance

About Lifesong Kenya

Lifesong Kenya is a community-based organisation that is creating pathways for boys to heal, grow and thrive.

We work with boys who are facing difficult circumstances that includes poverty, family instability, disrupted education, violence and conflict with the law. We meet boys where they are and walk alongside them with practical support, trusted relationships and opportunities to discover what is possible.

Where it All Began

Lifesong Kenya began in 2010 as a Reading Club, created to give children a safe space to learn, read and grow.

In 2012, our work took a different direction after we encountered nearly 100 boys in Nairobi Remand Prison. Many of these boys were disconnected from their families and communities and needed more than punishment—they needed someone willing to listen, understand their stories and help them find a way forward.

We began visiting the boys, tracing their families and creating connections with families, communities and others affected by their circumstances.

That experience shaped the Lifesong Kenya we know today.

How We Work

We see the boy, not just his circumstances, and believe they should not define who he can become.

We combine practical support with trusted relationships through shelter, education, coaching, counselling, mentorship, skills development, family engagement and sports.

By reaching boys before harm and supporting them through crisis and beyond, we help create pathways toward healing, growth and safer communities.

What We Do

Prevention and Advocacy

We reach boys before harm happens and equip them with healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Residential Care

We provide vulnerable boys with a safe place to live, heal and begin rebuilding their lives.

Education Support

We help boys to overcome barriers to education so they can stay in school.

Restorative Justice

We walk alongside boys in juvenile prison by supporting accountability, reconciliation and pathways toward reintegration.

Family Reconnection

We help boys to rebuild relationships with family and community and strengthen the support systems around them.

Born for Greatness

We help boys and young men to discover their strengths, develop leadership and build purposeful lives.

Our Belief

We don’t believe a boy should be defined by his worst experience, biggest mistake or circumstances. We believe there is more to his story.

Our work is about helping him find his footing, discover his potential and build a different future.

Our Journey

2010 — Lifesong begins as a Reading Club.

2012 — Our founder, Hawi James Ouma meets boys in Nairobi Remand Prison reshape our mission.

2013 — Lifesong Kenya is registered as a Community-Based Organisation.

2021 — The Lifesong Halfway House begins providing residential care for boys in crisis.

Today — We combine prevention, education, residential care, transformative justice, counselling, community reconnection and leadership development to support boys at different points in their journey.

Our Vision

A world where every boy has the love, guidance, opportunity and support to become the man he was born to be.

Our Mission

To help boys heal, grow and thrive by creating the safety, relationships, opportunities and support they need to become confident, responsible and purposeful young men.

Walk With Us

A boy’s circumstances, his direction and future can change.

Together, we can help change what happens next.

“Lifesong Kenya has a heart for young people in hopeless situations and need help to do more. Lifesong Kenya is an organization that will transform the lives of many boys and young men. I encourage you to support Lifesong Kenya and the work that James does with boys and young men.”

— Lynn and John Wollwerth

Praise assemply of God