We start by listening — because the best solutions are built together.
Discover Just be a Child
We work alongside children, families, volunteers, and partners to create programmes that respond to real needs — from inspiring UK schools, youth groups, and corporate teams to give back, to building libraries and learning opportunities for children in Kenya. Every project we develop is rooted in partnership, purpose, and the idea that when communities grow stronger together, everyone benefits.
Big change often begins with a small moment that refuses to be ignored.
Meet Our Founder
Just be a Child began when a visit to Kenya opened the founder’s eyes to the power of community and the potential in every child. Seeing the generosity of the people, but also the limited opportunities for children to access stories and imagine their future, inspired the creation of the charity.
A small collection of donated books soon grew into the idea of shipping container libraries — a sustainable way to give children access to knowledge and hope. The experience also revealed a shared truth: people everywhere, in Kenya and the UK, want to learn, belong, and make a meaningful contribution.
“Sometimes it takes stepping into someone else’s world to see how much we can all grow together.” Lenka
Sometimes it takes stepping into someone else’s world to see how much we can all grow together.
Education, skills, and hope — wherever they are needed.
At Just be a Child, we create opportunities for people and communities to learn, grow, and contribute. In the UK, this takes shape through creative, social, and practical programmes — from arts and craft groups to volunteering projects that give participants a real sense of purpose. In Kenya, we support children’s learning through innovative initiatives like our shipping container libraries, book donations, and larger community-focused projects such as Rural Reading Rooms.
We start by listening, mapping gaps in services, and evaluating how best to use our resources. Then we design programmes that make a meaningful difference — programmes that empower children and communities, spark curiosity, and build skills. You can discover the full range of our projects on Our Work, and explore our wider Vision and Mission to see the principles guiding everything we do.
Empowered communities, one life-changing mission.
The Difference We Make
Every year, thousands of volunteers across the UK come together to sort hundreds of thousands of books, share creative arts projects, and produce knitted items — all designed to support communities in Kenya. From small groups to large organisations, these acts of giving and participation ripple outward, building connections, inspiring learning, and fostering a love of reading and creativity. The impact grows with every project, every contribution, and every shared experience.
Across Kenya, the reach is even greater. Millions of books are distributed, community programmes flourish, and hundreds of thousands participate in arts, reading, and skills-based initiatives. These experiences spark imagination, broaden horizons, and open doors to greater opportunities. And with every new initiative, Just be a Child continues to grow — empowering communities, nurturing potential, and creating a brighter, more connected future.
